THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEPTIONS OF GOD AND GRATITUDE
KYMBERLY GOH KAI XUAN
KYMBERLY GOH KAI XUAN
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Abstract
This study examines the effects of perceptions of God on gratitude using the self-determination theory framework. The aim of the study is to investigate the mediating effect of basic psychological needs on the relationship between perceptions of God and gratitude. 155 participants (18-50 years old), consisting of individuals who believe in God and are followers of monotheistic religions (i.e., Christianity, Catholicism, and Islam), completed a survey. The survey included a series of questionnaires measuring participants’ perceptions of God, the satisfaction of their basic psychological needs and gratitude. Additional constructs such as participants’ levels of neuroticism, depression, anxiety and stress were also measured. Controlling for neuroticism, mediation analysis showed that basic psychological needs fully mediated the relationship between the perception of an autonomy-supportive God and gratitude, but did not mediate the relationship between the perception of a controlling God and gratitude. The findings contribute to the broader literature of understanding the thoughts, emotions and behaviour of religious people, recognizing the important role of basic psychological needs in shaping the relationship between perceptions of God and gratitude.
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perceptions of God, basic psychological needs, gratitude, perception of an autonomy-supportive God, perception of a controlling God, neuroticism
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2024-04-12
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