Exploring associations between existential isolation, quest religiosity, and well-being

The current work examined the association between existential isolation and religious quest orientation (i.e., spiritual belief uncertainty). First, Study 1 measured existential isolation and quest religiosity along with several measures of social isolation. Replicating past research, existential is...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mental health, religion & culture religion & culture, 2021-11, Vol.24 (10), p.1101-1116
Main Authors: Arrowood, Robert B., Cox, Cathy R., Swets, Julie A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
doubt
existential isolation
Quest
Well being
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Summary:The current work examined the association between existential isolation and religious quest orientation (i.e., spiritual belief uncertainty). First, Study 1 measured existential isolation and quest religiosity along with several measures of social isolation. Replicating past research, existential isolation was positively related to alienation and loneliness but negatively associated with belonging needs and social desirability. More importantly, however, quest religiosity was associated with reduced existential isolation. Building on these results, Study 2 sought to understand how existential isolation and quest religiosity related to well-being by using path modeling. We found that greater quest religiosity was related to lower existential isolation, which in turn, predicted increased psychological and spiritual well-being. These results suggest a complex relationship between existential isolation among the religiously skeptical, and that their openness and acceptance may help them cope with isolation and enjoy psychological benefits.
ISSN:1367-4676
1469-9737
DOI:10.1080/13674676.2021.2006167