Relationships between spirituality, ego strength, and quality of life

Catherine Hacker Hernbeck, Tennessee State University

Abstract

The objective of the research was to clearly define the variables spirituality and religiosity, and then to explore which variables of spiritual expression have a positive effect on object related variables of ego strength and quality of life. Participants were 117 undergraduate and graduate students. Five step-wise multiple regression analyses were performed to predict the effect of Cognitive Orientation toward Spirituality (COS), Existential Well Being (EWB), Experiential and Phenomenological Dimensions of Spirituality (EPD), Paranormal Beliefs (PAR), and Religious Orientation toward Spirituality (REL) upon Quality of Life, and upon object relations variables of Alienation, Insecure Attachment, Social Incompetence, and Egocentricity. Results revealed EWB as a significant predictor of quality of life and for all object relations variables. Other significant predictors included EPD for lower Alienation; REL for lower levels of Egocentricity; and COS as a predictor for higher levels of Quality of Life. Results imply that spiritual expression can be important in developing healthy object relationships and quality of life. Thus, therapeutic interventions facilitating the use of spiritual expression may be helpful in psychotherapy.

Subject Area

Religion|Psychotherapy

Recommended Citation

Catherine Hacker Hernbeck, "Relationships between spirituality, ego strength, and quality of life" (2007). ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper AAI3243902.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3243902

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