ALTRUISM AND BELIEF IN JUST WORLD IN YOUNG ADULTS: RELATIONSHIP WITH RELIGIOSITY

Abstract

Objective:The present research explored the interrelationship of religiosity, altruism and global belief in just world (BJW) in young adults. Based on literature review, it was predicted that 1. High religiosity would be positively related to high BJW and high altruism, and 2. High altruism would be positively related to high BJW.

Research Design: Correlational Study

Place and Duration of Study: June-September 2011. Various educational institutions of Karachi.

Sample and Method: Sample consisted of one hundred and twenty students (60 men & 60 women) aged from 18-30 years (M=22, SD= 2.99) and studying in A-level, BS and MS/M.Phil years. Participants filled in the informed consent form along with their demographic information. Questionnaires included (1) Global Belief in a Just World Scale  (2) The Self-Report Altruism (SRA) Scale  and (3)  Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire-Brief Version.

Result and Conclusion: Pearson’s r analysis revealed that religiosity, altruism and BJW were significantly positively related. Further secondary analysis indicated that age also had a significant positive association with religiosity and altruism. Gender differences were also observed as men reported significantly more altruism than women.