Religious Commitment as Determinant Factor for Psychological Well Being and Social Integration, In The Case of Ambo University Main Campus Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate religious commitment as a determinate factor for psychological wellbeing and social integration. Expressions of religious commitment are found to have a positive influence on psychological wellbeing and social integration. The study followed sequential explanatory mixed methods design. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained, via scale and open-ended questionnaires from 254students in Ambo university main campus, 10 interviews from religious leaders and students fellowship committee were also conducted to gain further information. An-in depth analysis of the reliability and validity of instruments was made before employing them to the main study, the relationship between public and private expressions of religious commitment (as indicated by frequency of religious service attendance and strength of religious faith), social integration,, and psychological well-being is explored. Path analysis performed on a sample of Ambo university main campus reveals that religious commitment has a significant positive effect on psychological well-being and social integration. The implications these findings have for the scientific study of religious commitment, psychological well-being and social integration are discussed in addition to relevant policy recommendations and suggestions for future research.