Happiness, health, and religiosity among Lebanese young adults

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the associations between, and sex-related differences in happiness, health, and religiosity. A sample (N = 476) of Lebanese undergraduates took part in the study (215 men and 261 women). They answered Arabic versions of the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Love of Life Scale, as well as five self-generated rating scales. Men obtained a significantly higher mean score on happiness and mental health than did their female counterparts, whereas women obtained a significantly higher mean score on religiosity. All the Pearson correlations between the study scales were significant and positive but one (between the self-rating scales of physical health and religiosity among men). Principal components analysis yielded one salient component separately in men and women, and labeled “Happiness, health, and religiosity.” The predictors of happiness as assessed with the OHI were love of life and SWLS, and happiness self-rating scale. Based on the responses of the present sample, it was concluded that those who consider themselves as felt happiness, reported higher mental and physical health, and being more religious.

Keywords

• happiness
• health
• religiosity
• college students
• Lebanon