An Exploration of the Relationships Between Mental Wellbeing and Religion Amongst Students Attending Post-Primary Schools in Ireland

The current study aimed to explore the relationships between mental wellbeing and religion amongst adolescent students attending post-primary/second-level schools in Ireland. Adolescent student participants (N = 7) attending post-primary schools in Ireland completed online, semi-structured interviews on their perceptions regarding the relationship between mental wellbeing and religion. Reflexive thematic analysis from the critical realist perspective was employed to analyse the qualitative data. The results revealed a positive relationship between mental wellbeing and religion amongst participants. Specifically, aspects of religiosity, such as personal prayer, holding religious beliefs and religious practice were mentioned by participants as being beneficial for their mental wellbeing. Similarly, the practice of positive religious coping methods, such as reading of scripture for strength, having a relationship with God, and interpret negative life events in light of religion, had a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of participants. The findings demonstrate that for the participants in this small-scale study, religion has the potential to positively impact their mental wellbeing. Implications for areas of investigation in future research, curriculum and religious adolescents, as well as the adults who work with them in school and community settings, are discussed.