Religiosity as a buffer against depression and stress among college students in Minahasa, Indonesia

Background: Mental health problems among college students are a growing concern, especially during their transition into higher education. Religiosity has been proposed as a potential protective factor. This study explores the relationship between religiosity and depression in a sample of first-year university students in Minahasa, Indonesia. Objectives: To investigate whether higher levels of religiosity are associated with lower levels of depression among college students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 367 first-year students at Manado State University. Depression was measured using the DASS-42 scale, while religiosity was assessed using the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), encompassing organizational, non-organizational, and intrinsic religiosity. Data were analysed using correlation analysis. Results: A significant negative correlation was observed between intrinsic religiosity and levels of depression and stress, with some variations between genders. No significant correlation was found between organizational and non-organizational religious activity and mental health symptoms. Conclusion: Intrinsic religiosity, but not religious activities, was correlated with lower depression among first-year college students, suggesting a potential buffering role. This highlights the potential of incorporating faith-based or spiritual elements into student mental health programs in culturally relevant contexts.