Gender Differences in the cognition of Religious Orientation and Psychological Well-Being: An Analysis of Muslim Populations in Western Maharashtra.

Abstract: This study investigates gender differences in the cognition of religious orientation and psychological well-being among Muslim Individuals in Western Maharashtra. For this study, a total of 600 participants (350 males and 250 females) were randomly selected from five major districts. Using a survey method, data were collected with Dr. Daniel Batson's Religious Orientation Scale and Dr. Carol Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale. Descriptive statistics and t-test analyses were used to compare means between genders. In this study, the findings revealed that females exhibited a higher level of intrinsic religious orientation (M = 73.692) compared to males (M = 69.402). Also, the t-test analysis sustained with a significant difference indicated by a t-statistic of -5.83 and a p-value of 1.547. On the other hand, males showed a higher level of extrinsic religious orientation (M = 72.697) than females (M = 63.768). Similarly, it is supported by a t-statistic of 13.918 and a one-tailed p-value of 1.1929. Ultimately, females reported greater psychological well-being (M = 171.684) compared to males (M = 163.834), with a t-statistic of -9.8256 and a one-tailed p-value of 1.5928. These results indicate significant differences in both religious orientation and psychological well-being based on gender. Consequently, these findings highlight that the role of gender plays a crucial role in religious orientation and psychological well-being of Muslim community in Western Maharashtra.