Influence of religion, religiosity and spirituality on positive mental health of young people

Abstract

This study examines the influence of religion, religious behaviour and perceptions of spirituality on positive mental health (PMH) of young people in Kerala, India. In a survey done in Kerala, India, we used the Achutha Menon Centre Positive Mental Health Scale (AMCPMHS) to assess positive mental health in a sample of young people aged 18–24, along with an interview schedule. The sample of 453 (males = 230, females = 223) was selected using stratified cluster sampling with probability proportion to size. The mean score of AMCPMHS in this population is 60.37 ± 12.08 (median 57.5), the maximum possible score being 100. There is a significant difference between scores of young people from different religions in the scale. Muslims had a low mean score, with two-way ANOVA showing significant difference by religion (Hindus, mean = 61.15 ± 11.84, Christians, mean = 62.06 ± 11.76; Muslims, mean = 54.97 ± 12.25; p < 0.001) even after controlling for other relevant socio-demographic variables. Multivariate analysis showed that religious differences are mostly explained by the behavioural restrictions and opportunities for socialisation that religion does or does not provide, with a strong gender overlay.