Dimensions of religiosity, altruism and life satisfaction

Abstract

This study utilizes data from 3008 adult individuals in Turkey and examines the direct and indirect relationships between the dimensions of (Islamic) religiosity and life satisfaction. We took a dual approach in examining the proposed web of relationships and treated (i) charitable giving and (ii) volunteering as mediators that account for the relation between dimensions of religiosity and life satisfaction. We provided empirical evidence that religious orientation determines the choice between charitable giving and volunteering. The results show that the adherents that use religion for social gains (inner peace and comfort) are more likely to volunteer (donate) but less likely to donate (volunteer). Further, our findings indicate that individuals that expect inner peace and comfort (social gains) from religion get more life satisfaction from donating (volunteering) whereas the life satisfaction of those adherents that use religion for social gains (inner peace and comfort) diminishes if they were to donate (volunteer).