Objectives:
Using the theory of religious effects (Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 42, 17-30 ( 2003 )), the current study examined the relationship among religiosity, psychosocial resources (social support and mastery) and psychological distress.
Method:
Through face-to-face interviewing, data were collected from 321 randomly selected older adults in Chennai, India. Structural
... [Show full abstract] equation modelling (SEM) was conducted to test the direct-effect and the mediation models. The direct-effect model posited a direct inverse relation between religiosity and psychological distress. The mediation model posited that psychosocial resources mediate the influence of religiosity on psychological distress.
Results:
The fit indices supported a partial mediation model. Psychosocial resources partially mediated the influence of religiosity on psychological distress.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest the crucial role of religiosity in influencing the well-being of older adults. The need to integrate religiosity in interventions for older Indian adults is discussed.