Sense of identity, religious orientation and psychological well-being in university students

Aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sense of identity and psychological well-being in the context of religious orientation. For this purpose after obtaining a ethical approval, we used four self-report questionnaries; Sense of Identity Evaluatory Instrument (SIEA), Psychological Well Being Scale, Muslim Religious Orientation Scale and Muslim Religiousness Scale. In addition a socio-demografic information form was administered. The study sample was consisted of 488 university students studying at various faculties of the Adnan Menderes University. Sense of identity (identity confusion) was negatively correlated with psychological well-being, intrinsic religious orientation and religiousness. By controlling each three religiousness variables to predict sense of identity, correlations found before lost and only extrinsic religious orientation was positively predicted problems related the sense of identity. Further regression analyses showed psychological well-being was predicted positively by intinsic religious orientation but negatively by extrinsic religious orientation, religiousness and identity confusion. Subsequent moderator analysis showed that extrinsic religious orientation provided a buffering effect in terms of psychological well-being for students who are at the extreme degree of identity problems. Research findings, clinical implications and limitations were discussed.