Structural relationship model of religious orientation with psychological distress among students based on the mediating role of identity styles

The purpose of this study was to determine the mediator role of identity styles in the relationship between religious orientation and psychological distress in students.

The research method was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population included all male and female students studying at Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch in the first semester of the academic year of 2017-2018, among whom 250 were selected by multi-stage random sampling method. The study tool included Allport religious orientation scale 1967, Berzonsky (1992) Identity Style Inventory, depression-anxiety-stress scale by Lovibond & Lovibond (1995). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling method.

The results of the analysis showed that the indirect path coefficient between external religious orientation and psychological distress based on the mediator role of information intelligence style was negative and at the level of 0.01 was significant (β=-0.1398, P<0.01). The indirect path coefficient between internal religious orientation and psychological distress was based on the mediator role of normative negative identity style was negative and at the level of 0.05 was significant (β=-0.0595, P<0.05). The indirect path coefficient between internal religious orientation and psychological distress based on the mediator role of the style of confused identity was negative and at the level of 0.05 was significant (β=-0.0551, P<0.05).

Considering the fact that in the present study it has been shown that religious orientation and identity are one of the effective factors on psychological distress, it is recommended that therapists emphasize the issues of religion in psychological counseling. Parents and school administrators are also advised to consider the issue of identity and its formation more and more.