The Role of Religion in Coping with Daily Hassles.

Abstract

This study examined the role of religion in coping with daily stressors. Specifically, daily hassles, religious and nonreligious coping, Positive and Negative Affect, and Depression were assessed in a sample of college students (n=222). It was expected that religious coping would predict adjustment over and above the effects of nonreligious coping with daily hassles. Pargament's Indiscriminate Proreligiousness-Personal scale was used to detect any positive response bias to religious material. Other instruments used were: The Brief College Hassles Scale; Life Experiences Survey; Religious Coping Activities Scale; COPE; Positive Affect and Negative Affect schedules; and the Beck Depression Inventory. The hypothesis was supported. This study also assessed the types of religious coping that may be helpful in dealing with daily stressors. Pleading was related to higher levels of Depression and Negative Affect and lower levels of Positive Affect. Religious Avoidance was related to lower levels of Depression and Negative Affect. Religious Social Support was related to higher levels of Positive Affect. Contains 49 references and 4 data tables. (JBJ) **************u******************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** The Role of Religion in Coping With Daily Hassles Timothy G. Belavich, M.A. Department of Psychology Bowling Green State University Bowling Green, OH 43403 Presented at the 103rd Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, New York City, August, 1995 co BEST COPY AVAILABLE ',I 5 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION putAT IONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION ,2c 1,1'r 11 F 111C Th c )cLo-rerl raweo ;opyottirod a% !hp cle!sc, orgalfhTiTi, Noe^ Tage h, rDt' VW,C,^ , PERMiSS(ON TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY -r De invick TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER ERICI The current study examined the role of religion in coping with daily stressors. Specifically, daily hassles religious and nonreligious coping, Positive and Negative Affect, and Depression were assessed in a sample of college students. It was expected that religious coping would predict adjustment over and above the effects of nonreligious coping with daily hassles. This hypothesis was supported. This study also assessed the types of religious coping that may be helpful in dealing with daily stressors. Pleading was related to higher lEvels of Depression and Negative Affect and lower levels of Positive Affect. Religious Avoidance was related to lower levels of Depression and Negative Affect. Religious Social Support was related to higher levels of Positive Affect. Coping with Hassles