Association between religiosity, satisfaction with life and mental health: a study of Brazilian adults

Abstract

Introduction: Much research has been done about religiosity, and religious beliefs can play an important role in mental health and life satisfaction. Objective: We aim to analyze the possible association between religiosity, life satisfaction, and mental health. Method: Online questionnaires assessed the religiosity, satisfaction with life, and mental health of 538 Brazilian adults. We also investigated the participants' personalities and socioeconomic status with complementary measures. Results: We found significant correlations between organized and non-organized religiosity with satisfaction with life and mental health. Intrinsic religiosity was significantly related to life satisfaction but not mental health. Conclusion: People with more organized and non-organized religiosity could be more satisfied with life and have better mental health regardless of personality and socioeconomic status.

Keywords

• religiosity
• mental health
• satisfaction with life