The relation pattern of religiosity and students’ mental health: gender differences

Abstract

Current study has been performed to examine the religiosity relation and mental health patterns of male and female students. The sample was consisted of 150 female and 150 male students who were selected randomly among Tehran University students. For data collection, this research has used Religious Attitude Scale of Khodayarifard et al (1386) and General health Questionnaire (Goldberg 1972). Data analysis was performed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Multivariate Analysis of Variance. Findings showed that all religiosity factors in female students have reverse relation with all mental health factors. Only the relation between religious emotions and affections with somatization and anxiety were significant. In male group, anxiety, depression, and general mental health had reverse significant relation with all religiosity subscales. The general profile and general mental health of Iranian male and female students were similar.

Keywords

• religiosity and students’ mental health: sexuality differences