The Role of Religiosity in Depression and Anxiety among Muslim Students in the UK: A Whole-Person Approach to Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Abstract:Limited research has looked at how religiosity may be correlated with mental health, particularly among Muslim students in the UK. In this study, levels of religiosity were measured as a potential protective factor for well-being. Through an internet survey, 131 London-based participants completed an adapted version of the Intrinsic, Extrinsic, and Quest (IEQ) Religiosity questionnaire, the PHQ-9 Depression questionnaire, and the GAD-7 Anxiety questionnaire. Participants were divided into one of four groups based on their faith, gender, and student status. Higher levels of religiosity were correlated with lower levels of depression (r=−.394) and anxiety (r=−.461). Furthermore, female students experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety than male students. Muslim students who had recently moved to the UK had lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to British non-Muslims and British-born Muslims with lower religiosity. British-born Muslims reported lower levels of depression than British born non-Muslims, but comparable levels of anxiety. The results of this study suggest that religiosity may act as a coping strategy for disorders such as depression and anxiety among Muslim students. This study further explores how components of Islam may be integrated into culturally informed well-being intervention strategies and curriculum design so that a “whole-person approach” to learning and teaching can support a positive student experience.