THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RELIGIOSITY, WELL-BEING, AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM MALAYSIA

This study aimed to explore associations between religiosity, subjective well-being, and mental health. Muslim college students from Malaysia (n = 238) were recruited. Males obtained significantly higher mean scores on happiness, satisfaction and mental health than females did, whereas women scored significantly higher on religiosity than men. Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors separately: "Well-Being and Religiosity", and "Mental Health and Happiness" in men, and "Well-Being and Happiness", and "Self-Esteem, Mental Health and Religiosity" among women. Multiple regression revealed that religiosity predictors were the self-rating of physical health in men and mental health among women. In conclusion, those who consider themselves as internally religious experienced greater well-being and health. Religious practices may be incorporated in psychotherapeutic procedures in Malaysian clients.