The Impact of Pastoral Care on Students’ Religious and Psychological Well-Being in a Christian Tradition-Based Residential Hall in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of pastoral care on the religious and psychological well-being of students residing in St. John’s College, a Christian tradition-based residential hall in Hong Kong. The research employs a mixed-methods approach and comprises two complementary studies: a quantitative analysis (Study 1) involving 98 participants and a qualitative investigation (Study 2) with 26 participants. Study 1 utilised the Religious Commitment Inventory-10 (RCI-10) and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) to measure religious commitment and psychological well-being, respectively. Initial findings revealed significant correlations suggesting that higher levels of religious commitment engender improved psychological well-being. Study 2 explored these relationships further through semi-structured interviews, providing deeper insights into how pastoral care influences students’ religious practices and mental health. The qualitative data underscored the nuanced role of pastoral activities in fostering a supportive community atmosphere, enhancing both personal and communal religious experiences.