The role of spirituality and self-efficacy in predicting happiness and mental health: A cross-sectional study

The relationship between the complex index of spirituality and psychological constructs such as mental health is supported by research. However, the role of spirituality in predicting the psychological indicators in Iranian society has not been addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of spirituality and self-efficacy in predicting happiness and mental health.

The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted in a correlational design. The data of this study were collected during the academic year of 2017-2018. Totally, 242 students were estimated using Cochran formula and selected based on the cluster sampling method and entered into the study process after obtaining the necessary criteria. Participants completed four questionnaires of spirituality, happiness, self-efficacy and mental health at one period of time. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation and regression tests using SPSS 21.

The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between spirituality and its four dimensions with self-efficacy (Pchr('39')s all = 0.01). There was also a significant negative relationship between spirituality and its four dimensions with mental health hazards, physical health dimension, anxiety dimension, social dimension and depression dimension (Pchr('39')s all= 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between spirituality index and its dimensions with happiness (Pchr('39')s all= 0.01). In addition, spirituality and self-efficacy predicted 29% and 36% of happiness variance, respectively. Besides, spirituality and self-efficacy predicted 26% and 30% of mental health variance, respectively.

The findings of this study indicated that the role of spirituality and self-efficacy in predicting happiness and mental health. These findings can be combined with clinical implications in formulating preventive and therapeutic interventions. Performing a clinical trial to benefit from spirituality-based interventions can be a good way to do further study.