The Effects of Interpersonal Differences Within Religious Communities: A Group Actor-Partner Interdependence Model of U.S. Congregations.
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| Title: | The Effects of Interpersonal Differences Within Religious Communities: A Group Actor-Partner Interdependence Model of U.S. Congregations. |
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| Authors: | Meagher, Benjamin R. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | International Journal for the Psychology of Religion. Jan-Mar2015, Vol. 25 Issue 1, p74-90. 17p. |
| Subjects: | Individual differences, Religious gatherings, Religious communities, Demographic characteristics, Religious values, Faith, Religion |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | This study examined how the composition of religious communities influences the spiritual outcomes of members. The U.S. Congregational Life Survey was analyzed using the group actor-partner interdependence model, an analysis that assesses how individual-level outcomes are influenced by (a) the actor's characteristics, (b) the characteristics of other congregants, (c) the relational demography of the actor, and (d) the degree that other congregants differ among themselves. This model, including both surface-level (e.g., demographic) and deep-level (e.g., theological belief) attributes, allowed for the estimation of distinct effects for actor and group similarity, which have been confounded in prior research. Relational demography was found to be positively related to one's needs being met on nearly all measured items. In contrast, a lack of diversity in terms of deep-level constructs (e.g., theological belief and worship preference) predicted less belonging and less satisfaction. These results suggest that religious communities may offer an important setting to benefit from exposure to varied beliefs and values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of International Journal for the Psychology of Religion is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | This study examined how the composition of religious communities influences the spiritual outcomes of members. The U.S. Congregational Life Survey was analyzed using the group actor-partner interdependence model, an analysis that assesses how individual-level outcomes are influenced by (a) the actor's characteristics, (b) the characteristics of other congregants, (c) the relational demography of the actor, and (d) the degree that other congregants differ among themselves. This model, including both surface-level (e.g., demographic) and deep-level (e.g., theological belief) attributes, allowed for the estimation of distinct effects for actor and group similarity, which have been confounded in prior research. Relational demography was found to be positively related to one's needs being met on nearly all measured items. In contrast, a lack of diversity in terms of deep-level constructs (e.g., theological belief and worship preference) predicted less belonging and less satisfaction. These results suggest that religious communities may offer an important setting to benefit from exposure to varied beliefs and values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10508619 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10508619.2013.864531 |
