The Impact of Patriotism and Religiosity on Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Although social scientists have persuasively documented the relationship between religion and life satisfaction in Western societies, the empirical findings or related theory about how religion shapes life satisfaction in Islamic countries is limited. Additionally, there is a scarcity of research that examines how patriotism may impact satisfaction with life among Muslims as well as Western societies. Therefore, the present study examines the relationship between patriotism, religion, and life satisfaction in an Islamic country, Turkey. Using World Value Survey 2017-2020 (n = 2415), related to two different approaches, four hypotheses were created and tested. This study provides compelling evidence in which direction patriotism and religion impact life satisfaction. Findings from this work suggest that people who can be considered patriots have more favorable satisfaction with life. In the same direction, the importance of religion, traditional religious faith, and prayer practice increase positive overall satisfaction with life in Turkey. The findings of the research analysis were discussed and concluded in the cultural context of Turkey.Keywords: Patriotism, Religiosity, Life Satisfaction, Well-being