Abstract:

Twenty-seven couples of children with developmental disabilities participated in the investigation of the relationship between religious attitude, measured by the Religious Orientation Scale and happiness, measured by the Depression-Happiness Scale. There were no significant differences between mothers and fathers in their levels of happiness or religious attitude. For both fathers and mothers, being motivated by intrinsic religious beliefs was associated with greater levels of happiness. Fathers who reported having an extrinsic religious orientation were less happy. However, the same was not true for mothers. Possible explanations of the above findings, clinical and social implications, limitations of the current study, and suggestions for the future studies are discussed.

Author(s): Rick Biesinger & Hiroko Arikawa

Journal: Religion, Disability & Health

Date: 2008

Volume: 11

Issue: 4

Pages: 23-34

DOI: 10.1300/J095v11n04_03

Databased: Yes

Disabilities: Developmental Disability

Categories: Families