The Relationship between Religious Orientation and Pressure in Psychology I Students at the University of the Witwatersrand

This study considers the relationship between religious orientation and pressure in 494 first-year Psychology students at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Religious orientation is defined according to Allport's concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic religious orientation and was measured using the Allport-Ross Religious Orientation Scale-Revised. Pressure is a concept used by Weiten to define the everyday life stress experienced by individuals and was measured in this study using Weiten's Pressure Inventory. The influence of religious affiliation on religious orientation and pressure was also explored. Results revealed few significant differences between intrinsic and extrinsic religious orientation and the types of pressure experienced. Religious affiliation significantly affected religious orientation but had no influence on pressure. These results are discussed in relation to the literature on religion and mental health and well-being.