Afterlife beliefs and obligation to obey the law in high adherence contexts: exploring connections among Malaysian youth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Previous studies have linked religiosity to a variety of positive outcomes for young people. However, further investigation into the underlying mechanisms that drive this connection is necessary to facilitate these positive outcomes. Some studies have suggested that afterlife reward and punishment beliefs play a role in this connection, as they promote future-oriented thinking. Drawing on Deterrence Theory, this study proposes that afterlife reward and punishment beliefs may also strengthen the obligation to obey the law in youth, thereby avoiding deviant behaviours. As Islamic societies are among the most ardent in believing in the afterlife, this mechanism may be particularly relevant for Muslim youth. To test this hypothesis, data were collected from 303 university students in Malaysia. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the structural validity of the Malaysian version of the afterlife reward and punishment beliefs scale. Hierarchical regression analysis further revealed a positive correlation between afterlife reward and punishment beliefs and obligation to obey the law, with afterlife reward and punishment beliefs significantly explaining variance in obligation to obey the law even after accounting for Muslim religiosity. The study highlights limitations and provides suggestions for future research in this area.