Psychological Well-Being and Positive Emotions

In: Handbook of Religion and Health, S. 211-234

Abstract

Abstract
This chapter examines the relationship between religiosity and positive emotions. It first reviews predictors of psychological well-being, examining various psychological theories of well-being that involve demographic factors, genetic influences, satisfaction of goals, and cognitive processes having to do with reference points in comparison to others. Next, it examines the impact of well-being on health more generally, including effects on social relationships, work performance, and psychological resilience, as well as on physical health and longevity. The authors then theorize how and why religion might impact psychological well-being, and review research examining the relationship between religiosity and psychological well-being, purpose and meaning in life, optimism, hope, gratitude, and self-esteem. The chapter concludes by providing recommendations for future research and describing clinical applications for mental health and religious professionals.