Abstract
Various approaches are used to assess spirituality via questionnaires, ranging from one-dimensional scales to highly multidimensional models. For the present investigation, an – in spirituality research unorthodox – factor analytic method was chosen: principal axis analysis with oblique rotation. An item collection was examinated and cross-validated via internet. The spirituality questionnaire contains four dimensions: belief in God, search for meaning, mindfulness, and feeling of security. They present with high internal consistencies. The factorial structure of the four dimensions was confirmed. Based on the better fit of this method of extraction the authors assume that these dimensions may depict the concept of spirituality more precisely than the previously used factor analytic methods, i.e. the principal component analysis (PCA) with orthogonal rotation.
Highlights
Psychological research on spirituality and religiousness was strongly influenced by some of Allport’s early work
When the IR-ER concept was related to mental health, it was found that internal religiousness was positively associated with mental health, external religiousness negatively (James & Wells, 2003)
Examining more complex models of religiousness shows that various aspects of spirituality are generally positively associated with mental health and well-being, i.e. any form of belief seems to help patients (Mohr & Huguelet, 2004; Mofidi, Devellis, et al, 2006; Mofidi, DeVellis, et al, 2007)
Summary
Psychological research on spirituality and religiousness was strongly influenced by some of Allport’s early work. He distinguished between internal and external religiousness (IR vs ER), “the extrinsically motivated individual uses his religion, whereas the intrinsically motivated lives his” (Allport & Ross, 1967). When the IR-ER concept was related to mental health, it was found that internal religiousness was positively associated with mental health, external religiousness negatively (James & Wells, 2003). Examining more complex models of religiousness shows that various aspects of spirituality are generally positively associated with mental health and well-being, i.e. any form of belief seems to help patients (Mohr & Huguelet, 2004; Mofidi, Devellis, et al, 2006; Mofidi, DeVellis, et al, 2007).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
