PRATICA RELIGIOSA E QUALITA' DELLA VITA IN ITALIA E INDIA. UN CONFRONTO TRA CULTURE E RELIGIONI.

Several studies highlighted that religious practice and spirituality are independent indicators of the levels of subjective well-being and quality of life. Faith, through its influence on behaviors and values, provides answers to the human need for meaning and hope, allowing for self-transcendence and openness towards a broader meaning context. This study aims at analyzing differences and similarities in the practice of religion and its role on perceived quality of life among participants belonging to three different religious traditions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam. Data were collected in India among 50 participants: 20 of them were Christians, 10 Muslims and 20 Hindus. A group of 20 Christians was recruited in Italy, to be compared with the Indian Christians. Participants were administered a) Flow Questionnaire, b) Life Theme Questionnaire, c) Order/Disorder Questionnaire, d) Eudaimonic and Hedonic Happiness Investigation, and e) a questionnaire specifically designed to investigate the meaning and role of God in participants’ life, and participants’ understanding of other religions. Results showed that faith and relationship with God played a central role in the life of participants across groups, being related to future goals, providing meaning and a positive interpretation of events and relations. These findings point to possible directions to improve interreligious dialogue.