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Spirituality and emotional distress
Author
Chua, Timothy Hock Leng
Supervisor
Lee, Boon Ooi
Abstract
There is an increased prevalence of mental health disorders both globally and locally in Singapore. The impact is not just towards the individual, but it is also extended to the family, work, and society. It is a problem that we cannot afford to ignore. A holistic approach to mental health intervention might possibly demand attention to the people’s spiritual needs. Over the last two decades, the relationship between spirituality and mental health has been studied extensively worldwide and clearly documented. Evidence is mounting, suggesting that there is an association between spirituality and mental health. But the results were mixed, indicating both positive and negative associations. There are not many related studies done locally in Singapore. In addition, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness of integrating spirituality into mental health treatment. The link between spirituality and emotional distress may be influenced by a host of factors. This present study is one of the first few to investigate the local spirituality-emotional distress link in the context of perceived social support and personality traits as possible mediating variables. Additionally, it seeks to find out if different religious affiliations and specific demographic backgrounds have any impact towards the relationship between spirituality and emotional distress.
A total of 193 participants, aged between 21 and 89 years, were surveyed. Correlation analyses were supplemented with regression and mediation analyses that examined the simultaneous predictive and mediating values of spirituality, perceived social support, and personality traits on emotional distress. Results obtained showed that males and females do not differ significantly in emotional distress. Neither was there a difference between ethnicity and education. Perceived social support and neuroticism personality trait emerged as significant predictors of emotional distress. In addition, the relationship between spirituality and emotional distress was found to be mediated by perceived social support and personality traits. While this study will differ from, build up, and extend earlier studies, I will also present its implications, limitations and suggestions for future research.
A total of 193 participants, aged between 21 and 89 years, were surveyed. Correlation analyses were supplemented with regression and mediation analyses that examined the simultaneous predictive and mediating values of spirituality, perceived social support, and personality traits on emotional distress. Results obtained showed that males and females do not differ significantly in emotional distress. Neither was there a difference between ethnicity and education. Perceived social support and neuroticism personality trait emerged as significant predictors of emotional distress. In addition, the relationship between spirituality and emotional distress was found to be mediated by perceived social support and personality traits. While this study will differ from, build up, and extend earlier studies, I will also present its implications, limitations and suggestions for future research.
Date Issued
2012
Call Number
RC454.4 Chu
Date Submitted
2012