Religiosity, Identity Confusion, and Psychological Well-Being in Turkish University Students: the Moderating Role of Religious Orientation

Abstract

Research conducted in industrialized democracies where Christianity is the prevailing religion has suggested that religiosity may play an important role in identity development and well-being. This study examined the associations between religiosity, religious orientation, identity confusion, and psychological well-being in 488 Turkish university students. The results revealed that extrinsic religious orientation was positively associated with identity confusion. On the other hand, religiosity, extrinsic religious orientation, and identity confusion were negatively associated with psychological well-being, while intrinsic religious orientation was positively associated with psychological well-being. Moderation analysis indicated that extrinsic religious orientation could facilitate psychological well-being in the midst of severe identity confusion.