Duke Religion Index Research Articles

The Duke Religion Index: A Psychometric Investigation

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Duke Religion Index (DRI) in two separate samples (n 1=628, n 2=243) of college students enrolled in randomly selected courses. An exploratory factor analysis of the DRI in the first sample supported a one-factor structure. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis in the second sample confirmed this model. The internal consistency was excellent in both samples. A significant, positive correlation was found between the DRI and a measure of religious beliefs, supporting the convergent validity of the DRI. These findings provide further support for the reliability and construct validity of the DRI.

Spirituality and affect: a function of changes in religious affiliation

We tested the hypothesis that changes in religious affiliation constrain the relationship between spirituality and affect. Hospital employees in Korea completed questionnaires, including items about their religious affiliation at present and in childhood, spirituality (Spiritual Transcendence Index), religiousness (Duke Religion Index), and affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule). Spirituality was positively and linearly associated with positive emotions (i.e., general positive affect, joviality, self-assurance, attentiveness, and serenity) among individuals who were raised with a religious affiliation and had none currently or those who currently had a different affiliation from the one as raised. Spirituality was also negatively and linearly associated with sadness among individuals who currently had a different affiliation from the one as raised. An inverted U pattern between spirituality and guilt or between spirituality and shyness was also found among individuals whose religious affiliation had changed since childhood. Identifying individual’s history of changes in religious affiliation helped clarify the relations between spirituality and emotional well-being.

Two-week test-retest reliability of the Duke Religion Index.

The present study investigated 2-wk. test-retest reliability of the Duke Religion Index, a 5-item self-report questionnaire that assesses organizational, nonorganizational, and intrinsic religiosity. The sample consisted of 20 undergraduate college students (11 women) whose mean age was 24.7 yr. (SD=5.0 yr.). Findings supported the 2-wk. test-retest reliability of the Duke Religion Index with an intraclass correlation coefficient of .91.

Psychometric Investigation of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire—Short-Form

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire—Short Form (SCSRFQ-SF). Participants were 226 undergraduate students (168 female) at a large public university enrolled in randomly selected undergraduate courses. A principal components analysis of the SCSRFQ-SF supported the hypothesized one-factor structure. In addition, the internal consistency was high and the convergent validity of the SCSRFQ-SF was supported with significantly positive relations with the Duke Religion Index. These findings provide initial support for the reliability and construct validity of the SCSRFQ-SF.

Intrinsic Religiosity and Substance Use in Intercollegiate Athletes

Although there has been little research examining religiosity in athletes, recent evidence suggests that it may play an important role in the lives of some athletes. The present study investigated the relationship of intrinsic religiosity to substance use in intercollegiate athletes. The Intrinsic Religiosity subscale of the Duke Religion Index, the Alcohol Problems subscale of the Personality Assessment Inventory, and two questions assessing marijuana and other drug use were completed by 105 varsity athletes. Findings indicated that intrinsic religiosity was inversely associated with alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use. Implications of these findings for sport practitioners are discussed.

Correlations for Organizational, Nonorganizational, and Intrinsic Religiosity with Social Support among Intercollegiate Athletes

The present study was a preliminary examination of the correlations among organizational, nonorganizational, and intrinsic religiosity and social support as measured by the Duke Religion Index and the Nonsupport scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory for 105 intercollegiate athletes (51 women). Scores among these measures were not correlated (-.05 to -.14).

Religiosity of Elite College Athletes

This study was a pilot examination of the religiousness of student athletes as compared to nonathletes. Participants were 248 undergraduate students (84 athletes) at the University of Florida who were enrolled in randomly chosen courses within the Department of Counselor Education. To assess the organizational, nonorganizational, and intrinsic dimensions of religion, the Duke Religion Index was used. Findings indicate that male and female athletes reported higher degrees of organizational, nonorganizational, and intrinsic religiousness than male nonathletes. Implications of these Findings on future research and applied sport practice are discussed.

Organizational, Nonorganizational, and Intrinsic religiosity and academic dishonesty.

The present study was a preliminary examination of the relations among the Organizational, Nonorganizational, and Intrinsic dimensions of religiosity and academic dishonesty. 244 college students completed the Duke Religion Index and nine questions assessing academic dishonesty. Analysis indicated that (1) regardless of sex, High Nonorganizational and Intrinsic religiosity was associated with lower reported rates of academic dishonesty, and (2) there was an interaction between Organizational religiosity and sex, with High Organizational women and men reporting similar rates of academic dishonesty. Furthermore, the frequency of academic dishonesty reported by High Organizational women was higher than the rates reported by Moderate and Minimal Organizational women.