Self construal and religiosity implication for well being

It is generally believed that modernization would greatly reduce the role of

religion both at the individual as well as societal levels of functioning. Yet we note that

even in the 21st century the role of religion continues to be salient across all the

important spheres of life - personal, social, cultural, intellectual, political and economic.

The renewed religious vitality witnessed worldwide makes it important for social

scientists to understand the dynamism and force that religion has in shaping life ways of

the people (Clarke, 2009; Geertz, 1993). Undoubtedly, religion not only plays a vital role

in terms of beliefs and practices connecting to the supernatural, but current research

indicates a host of socio-psychological gains for the individual in terms hope, optimism,

agency, sense of inner control and coping strategies (Deiner & Clifton, 2002; Heelas &

Woodhead, 2005; Hood, Hill & Spilka, 2009; Jodhka, 2012; Paloutzian & Park, 2005;

Pargment, 1997; Pargament & Mahoney, 2005; Park, 2005: Ysseldyk et. al. 2011). At the

group level religious self construal is central to social self construal, collective selfesteem

and morale (Luhtanen & Crocker, 1992). Against this backdrop the present study

explores the interface between religion, self-construal, and social well-being in the

Indian cultural context.