Abstract

This study examined multiple dimensions of well-being among adults with identified religious or spiritual affiliations utilizing the Multidimensional Well-Being Assessment (MWA). This study focused on transcendent well-being and its dimensions of religiosity/spirituality and meaning/purpose/flow. A non-random sample of 492 participants with identified religious or spiritual affiliations completed multiple measures of well-being as part of a larger psychometric investigation of the MWA. This study supports the MWA as a valid and reliable measure of transcendent well-being among adults with identified religious or spiritual affiliations. This study also found that those who view religiosity or spiritualty as very important to them and value its importance to their overall well-being had higher levels of transcendent well-being than those who did not. Furthermore, results of a series of MANOVAs found statistically significant differences between groups on various demographic and background variables (e.g., religious orientation, race/ethnicity, relationship status, and education level) who rate religion or spirituality in their top determinants of overall well-being. This study’s findings also indicated transcendent well-being is positively correlated with other dimensions of well-being. This study has implications for future research related to understanding well-being in individuals who identify as religious or spiritual.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Mental health -- Religious aspects; Psychology, Religious; Well-being -- Religious aspects

Date of Award

2016

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Harrell, Shelly P.;

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