Religiosity, Optimism, and Pessimism Among African Americans

Abstract

It generally is accepted that religiosity is associated with increased optimism and decreased pessimism. However, the empirical link between religiosity and optimistic and pessimistic expectancy outcomes remains underexamined. This study explored the association between early and current organizational religiosity, subjective religiosity and spirituality, positive and negative perceived relationship with God, and dispositional optimism and pessimism among a sample of African Americans (N = 307). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that age, subjective spirituality, and a positive relationship with God were positive, independent predictors of optimism. Education, combined household income, and subjective spirituality negatively predicted pessimism. Negative relationship with God was a positive predictor of pessimism. Subjective religiosity and early and current organizational religious involvement did not predict optimism or pessimism. The significance of these findings is discussed.