The influence of religion and spirituality on identity formation

Abstract

For many individuals, their religious identity has played a very important role in the formation of their sense of self and identity. However, very little research has been conducted that examines what type of role religiosity may play in the formation of one's identity and sense of self. The purpose of this study is to examine the specific influences, and the degree of influence religiosity has on the commitment domain of identity. In this study, four measures of religiosity, and two measures of identity were combined into one survey, and then distributed to 65 participants. The results of the religiosity measures were compared with the scores form the identity measures. From there, the data was evaluated to identify any relationships between religiosity and identity commitment.

Based on the results produced by this study, existential well-being and quest religious orientation yielded the highest correlations to identity commitment. In addition, existential well-being was related to identity diffusion. However, other dimensions of religiosity bore no significant relationships with identity.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2004

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Berman, Steven L.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Psychology

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic;Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021869

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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