Relationship of Religiosity with Mental Health and Life Satisfaction in Students of Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran

Considering the prominent and unique role of medical students as future makers of the health status of society, provision and identification of factors affecting their mental health and life satisfaction is obligatory. The present study investigated the relationship of religiosity with mental health and life satisfaction in the students of Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 341 students in 2017-2018. The study population was selected with regard to gender through stratified random sampling method. The data were collected by standard questionnaires, including religiosity questionnaire by Glock and Stark, as well as mental health and life satisfaction by Diner et al. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, independent t-test, and multiple regression analysis.
Results of Pearson correlation test showed no significant relationship between religiosity and mental health(r=0.061; P=0.270). However, life satisfaction demonstrated a statistically positive relationship with religiosity and all its dimensions (e.g., theological, experiential, consequential, and ritual domains) (r=0.154;P=0.005). There was also a statistically negative relationship between life satisfaction and mental health (decrease in test score) (r=-0.501;P=0.000). Moreover, a significant difference was observed between male and female students in terms of mental health (P<0.05). In this regard, male students had higher mental health than female students.
Consideration of the role of religion and religious components in life satisfaction and educational emphasis on these issues can help to improve life satisfaction and mental health among students.