A study of the role of religious development in childhood on psychological health in Indonesia

Abstract

Despite rapid advances in solving human physical problems, medical science has not yet taken effective actions to solve human psychological problems, whilst they play an important role in causing physical diseases. In general, religion significantly affects the health of the individuals and society. Psychological peace may be established through good beliefs and admirable moral deeds, and a believer can be transformed into a lively and happy human being who is always striving and communicating with his community. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the role of religious development in childhood on psychological health at Jakarta, Bandung, Medan and Surabaya in Indonesia. Hence, 3000 children of the above cities were investigated using a simple random sampling method. The statistical analyses using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) indicated that the participants acknowledged the role of religious development in the psychological health of individuals (p = 0.782; Sig. = 0.000). Maintaining the health of the people of the society is one of the most important issues of any country, which should be taken into account from different aspects, including psychological dimensions. The main task of psychological research studies is to ensure mental and psychological health of people in society, and as demonstrated by the results of this study, this is supported by religion, religiosity and a religious atmosphere in society.

Contribution: This research article contributes to the determination of the role of religious development in the psychological health of children from Jakarta, Bandung, Medan and Surabaya in Indonesia.