| Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools. |
DOI: 10.1177/0164027504270489 © 2005 SAGE Publications The Sense of Divine Control and the Self-ConceptA Study of Race Differences in Late LifeUniversity of Toronto, scott.schieman{at}utoronto.ca
University of Wisconsin, Madison
University of Maryland Using data from adults aged 65 and older in the District of Columbia and two adjoining counties in Maryland, this study examines the relationship between the sense of divine control and two self-concepts: self-esteem and mastery. Perceived divine control involves the extent to which an individual perceives that God controls the direction and outcomes of life. Among Whites only, divine control is associated negatively with mastery. Adjustments for socioeconomic status, other forms of religiosity, and stressors contribute to that race-contingent association. In addition, among Blacks, divine control is associated positively with self-esteem—especially among Black women. That effect remains net of socioeconomic and other controls. Conversely, among white men, divine control is associated negatively with self-esteem, although adjustment for socioeconomic status explains most of that association. The authors discuss these findings in the context of the ongoing debate about the psychological effects of different forms of religiosity.
Key Words: mastery • self-esteem • religiosity • religious beliefs • self-concept
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
||||||||||||
 |
|
|
 |
|
Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools.
