BRIDGING THE SACRED GAP: THE INTERPLAY OF SOCIAL DISCONNECTION, DEHUMANIZATION, AND MEANING IN LIFE IN SHAPING RELIGIOUS PASSION

Abstract

The study examines the relationships between meaning in life, dehumanization, social alienation and passion for religion among drug addicts, prisoners and students. A total of 354 individuals from various departments, prisons, and different drug rehabilitation centers participated in the study, comprising both male and female respondents. Using a purposive sampling technique, participants completed validated scales, including the Meaning in Life Scale, dehumanization scale, social alienation scale, and Passion Scale. The results show a positive association between meaning in life (β = 0.278, p < 0.001) and dehumanization (β = 0.163, p < 0.05), as well as passion for religion. In contrast, social alienation (β = –0.159, p < 0.05) negatively predicts this relationship. The correlation analysis also revealed a significant positive relationship between meaning in life, dehumanization, and social alienation. In contrast, passion for religion was positively associated with meaning in life (r = .251, p < .001), but showed no significant connection with social alienation. The results of the study highlight the multifaceted role of established meaning and dehumanizing propensities in shaping religious passion, while also suggesting that alienation may decrease such passion. The study suggests considering the psychological and social dynamic forces underlying religious obligation and proposes that future studies investigate the protective aspects, such as social assimilation and community integration, to alleviate the negative effects of alienation and dehumanization.