THE MUSLIM RELIGIOSITY, AND ITS RELATION WITH SELF ACTUALIZATION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

M AHMAD; M KAMRAN

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1223

Authors

M AHMAD Department of Psychology, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
M KAMRAN Department of Psychology, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1223

Keywords:

Intrinsic Religiosity, Extrinsic Religiosity, Self-Actualization, Muslim Religiosity, Educational Environment, Gender Differences.

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic Muslim religiosity and self-actualization. Additionally, it examines whether demographic factors like gender and educational environment (segregated vs. coeducation) influence these variables. Previous literature suggests religiosity might play a role in personal development, but findings remain inconclusive, especially within specific religious contexts. Objective: To examine the association between intrinsic and extrinsic Muslim religiosity and self-actualization, and to investigate the influence of demographic variables, such as gender and educational environment, on religiosity. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 250 participants, of whom 138 (55.2%) were males and 112 (44.8%) were females. Participants’ responses were gathered using the Short Index for Self-Actualization (SISA) and the Muslim Religiosity Scale, which comprised subscales for intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity. Independent sample t-tests were employed to analyze differences in religiosity across gender and educational environments. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to examine the association between self-actualization and religiosity. Results: Independent sample t-tests indicated no significant differences in intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity based on gender or educational environment. Similarly, Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between self-actualization and Muslim religiosity (both intrinsic and extrinsic).Conclusion: This study found no significant association between self-actualization and Muslim religiosity, nor did it find significant differences in religiosity based on gender or educational environment. These results suggest that religiosity, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, may not play a distinct role in self-actualization among the participants. Further research is recommended to explore these relationships in broader contexts and diverse populations.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Aflakseir, A. (2012). Religiosity, personal meaning, and psychological well-being: A study among Muslim students in England. Pakistan Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 10(1), 27-31.

Allport, G. W. (1950). The individual and his religion: A psychological interpretation. New York: Macmillian

Chamberlain, K., & Zika, S. (1992). Religiosity, meaning in life, and psychological well-being. Religion and mental health, 138-148.

Hill, P. C., & Pargament, K. I. (2003). Advances in the conceptualization and measurement of religion and spirituality: Implications for physical and mental health research. American psychologist, 58(1), 64.

Ivtzan, I., & Conneely, R. (2009). Androgyny in the mirror of self-actualisation and spiritual health. The Open Psychology Journal, 2(1).

Ivtzan, I., Chan, C. P., Gardner, H. E., & Prashar, K. (2013). Linking religion and spirituality with psychological well-being: Examining self-actualisation, meaning in life, and personal growth initiative. Journal of religion and health, 52(3), 915-929.

Jones, A., & Crandall, R. (1986). Validation of a short index of self-actualization. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 12(1), 63-73.

Khan, M. J. (2014). Construction of Muslim religiosity scale. Islamic Studies, 67-81.

Koltko-Rivera, M. E. (2006). Rediscovering the later version of Maslow's hierarchy of needs: Self-transcendence and opportunities for theory, research, and unification. Review of general psychology, 10(4), 302-317.

Lipka, M. (2017, August 9). Muslims and Islam: Key findings in the U.S. and around the world. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/08/09/muslims-

and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-

world/#:~:text=There%20were%201.8%20billion%20Muslims,the%20fastest%2Dgrowing%

major%20religion.

Maslow, A. H. (1967). A theory of meta motivation: The biological rooting of the value- life. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 7(2), 93-127.

Piedmont, R. L. (2001). Spiritual transcendence and the scientific study of spirituality. Journal of Rehabilitation, 67(1).

Prosnick, K. P. (1999). Claims of near-death experiences, gestalt resistance processes, and measures of optimal functioning. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1), 27-34.

Shostrom, E. L. (1964). An inventory for the measurement of self-actualization. Educational and psychological measurement, 24(2), 207-218.

Tamney, J. B. (1992). Religion and self-actualization. In J. F. Schumaker (Ed.), Religion and mental health (pp. 132–137). New York: Oxford University Press.

Watson, P. J., Morris, R. J., & Hood, R. W., Jr. (1990). Intrinsicness, self-actualization, and the ideological surround. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 18, 40–53.