Political Affiliation, Spirituality, and Religiosity: Links to Emerging Adults' Life Satisfaction and Optimism.

Publisher: Springer Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 2985199R Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1573-6571 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00224197 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Relig Health Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: New York, NY : Springer
Original Publication: New York : Academy of Religion and Mental Health.

Optimism* ; Personal Satisfaction* ; Politics* ; Religion* ; Spirituality*; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Health ; Religion and Psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

The goal of this study was to extend the existing literature regarding the intersection between belief systems shaping psychological processes and subjective well-being among emerging adults. A nationwide sample of 3966 college students reported on their political affiliation, spirituality, and religiosity in relation to their subjective well-being. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that politically conservative participants were significantly more optimistic and satisfied with life than their liberal counterparts and Republican emerging adults reported significantly higher life satisfaction than Democrats. Republican emerging adults also reported significantly higher rates of religiosity and spirituality than Democratic and Independent politically affiliated emerging adults. Our findings corroborate and expand upon existing literature regarding belief systems and political identity as determinants of subjective well-being in emerging adults.

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Keywords: Emerging adulthood; Life satisfaction; Optimism; Political affiliation; Religion; Spirituality; Well-being

Date Created: 20170814 Date Completed: 20190129 Latest Revision: 20190129

20231215

10.1007/s10943-017-0477-y

28803368