Spiritual Resilience in the Sands: Exploring Religion and Subjective Well-being in Abu Dhabi's Community

Abstract

The practice of religion is often strongly linked to various factors influencing well-being. Utilizing data from the 4th cycle of the Abu Dhabi Quality-of-Life survey conducted in 2023, this research aims to uncover the intricate associations between religious practice and various determinants of well-being among the residents of Abu Dhabi. Path analysis was employed to explore the direct and indirect connections between the frequency of religious practice and different well-being factors. A total of 22 paths revealed the overwhelming interrelations between each pair considered in the model, indicating the nuanced ways in which religious beliefs and behaviors contribute to individuals' sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and resilience, as well as the diverse facets of well-being within the context of religious practices. Notably, results recorded the highest total effects of practicing religion on social trust and social relationship was the only variable that affects religious practice. Additionally, the significance of age, gender, education, nationality, and marital status was observed in this context. The findings are discussed in the light of relevant literature and potential avenues for future research concerning the interplay between well-being indicators and religious practices are suggested.