Exploring the relationship between religious orientation, locus of control and life satisfaction among undergraduates

This study explores the relationship between religious orientation, locus of control, and life satisfaction among undergraduate students at the University of Lagos. The research aims to examine how intrinsic religious orientation and internal locus of control contribute to students' overall life satisfaction, with particular attention to sex and age differences. A total of 400 undergraduate students were surveyed using standardised instruments: Intrinsic-Extrinsic Religious Orientation Scale, Levenson's Multidimensional Locus of Control Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between intrinsic religious orientation and life satisfaction, with intrinsic religious orientation accounting for 7.7% of the variance in life satisfaction. Similarly, a significant positive relationship was found between internal locus of control and life satisfaction, although internal locus of control accounted for a smaller 2.7% variance. An independent samples t-test showed that female students scored higher on life satisfaction and intrinsic religious orientation, while male students scored higher on internal locus of control. A one-way ANOVA indicated significant age differences in intrinsic religious orientation and life satisfaction, but not in internal locus of control. The study's results align with existing literature, suggesting that intrinsic religious orientation and internal locus of control are significant predictors of life satisfaction among undergraduates. The study concludes on the importance of supporting students' religious and personal development to enhance their overall well-being. The study recommended that students should be encouraged to develop a deeper, intrinsic religious orientation rather than focusing on external aspects of religiosity