Abstract
This dissertation explored the relationship among religiosity/spirituality, mental health variables such as depression and anxiety, and spiritual well-being, among Muslims in Southern California. A convenience sample of 210 Muslim individuals (115 males and 95 females) between the ages of 18 and 71 was obtained in the present study. A mail-survey method was utilized to collect data. Packets contained written instructions and the questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlations and Anova for group differences. Results seem to suggest that the more spiritual a Muslim individual was, the less likely he or she were to be depressed or anxious. There were significant gender differences on levels of depression and anxiety such that Muslim women scored higher on these variables. A significant difference was found between Muslim men and women on spiritual and existential well-being (life-satisfaction) with men scoring higher on these variables. No significant gender differences were found on religiosity or religious well-being. There were no significant correlations between place of birth (whether participants were born in the U.S. or elsewhere), relationship status and measures of spirituality and well-being. Religiosity/spirituality appeared to be of some value for Muslims in this study, possibly providing them with a sense of hope and resources to cope with difficult life situations. This finding adds to the calls for efforts to incorporate spirituality in assessment and treatment to accommodate clients for whom religiosity/spirituality is important. The results are discussed in relationship to the literature, as well as their implications for practice and future research.