Examining the relationship between religious orientation, commitment, concept of God, and anxiety : a quantitative study amongst Maltese and Catholic University students

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the relationship between religion and anxiety with a quantitative approach. It was carried out through prominent constructs found within the psychology of religion field, namely, religious orientation, religious commitment, and concept of God. Each construct was measured through a self-report scale and analysed in relation to anxiety. The sample consisted of Maltese and Catholic students from the University of Malta (n = 118, Mage = 23.7 years). The scales used were the Religious Orientation Scale, Religious Commitment Inventory – 10, and Attitudes toward God Scale – 9. Anxiety was assessed with the A-Trait subscale from the State- Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults. Through a series of bivariate correlations, results demonstrated that an extrinsic religious orientation, and a negative concept of God correlated positively with trait anxiety. Subsequent multiple regression analysis indicated that a negative concept of God was the strongest religion variable that predicted anxiety, when demographics were controlled. Interpretations for the results obtained are discussed.