Roczniki Filozoficzne

Volume 23, Issue 4, 1975

Psychologia

Self-Image and the Intensity of Religious Attitudes

The following article is a report from empirical tests concerning the relation between self-image and the intensity of religious attitudes. The tests attempted to answer the following questions: 1) is there a link between a realistic self-image and religious attitudes; 2) is there a link between an idealistic self-image and religious attitudes; 3) is there a link between the level of self-acceptance and the degree of intensity of religious attitudes. To test the intensity of religious attitudes a Scale of Attitudes developed by the author was used; to test self-image. H. G. Gough's and A. B. Heilbrune'sThe Adjective Check List (A. C. L.) was used. Utilizing these methods, 130 subjects were tested, being seperated into three groups: A - having a highly intensive, positive, religious attitude (N=30); B - having a low-intensity religious attitude (N=30); and C - having a highly-intensive negative religious attitude (N=20). The subjects tested possess a higher education in the humanistic area (52 %) and the natural sciences (48 %). The ages of the subjects tested range from 21 to 30 years of age. The analysis of results showed the link between religious attitudes and the three dimensions of self-image tested: realistic self-image, ideal self-image, and level of self-acceptance. Within the scope of realistic self-image, respective groups are. to a large degree, evaluated analogously. In a scale of 24, by which the subjects are evaluated, essential statistical differences in evalution did not at all appear between groups B and C: in two cases (Adj. Def). differences appeared between groups A and B; and in 4 scales (Adj. Aut. Agg, Def). representatives of groups A and C.; variously evaluated themselves. Recorded differences allow us to infer that representatives of group A (especially women), perceive in their own personality: lesser self-reliance; proclivity toward anonymity, lesser spontaneity (Exh), lesser inclination toward competition (Dorn), greater submissiveness, a more critical attitude toward self, together with a certain uneasiness when dealing with the world. Representatives of group B (especially women) are more egocentric, colder tow ard their responsibilities, strongly experiencing contact with new situations; they are not strangers to oportunism when contacting other people (Exh); they are more independent, more inclined toward rivabry and aggression. Finally, representatives of group C are more independent in relation to social expectations, as well as, to values and norms of their environment; they are more decisive in their action (Aut), with inclinations toward directing and leading others (Dorn); they arc more inclined toward rivabry, offensiveness, even with traits of aggression, and a greater distance in regard to their environment (Adj). Significant differences between groups of subjects were noted in the idealistic self-image category. On a scale of 24, significant statistical differences were noted: between groups A and C in 10 scales, between groups A and B in 12 scales, as w'ell as. between groups C and B in 3 scales. Analyzing the above differences, it is possible to grasp the following tendencies to change, in self-images, revealed by respective groups. Representatives of group A distinctly prefer such traits as: serenity, caution with regard to contacts with the environment and with regard to approaching new problems (No). They would like to be appraised as more dutiful and self-controled (S-Cn). They exhibit a greater need for order, planning (Ord), perseverance, and greater conventionalism (Lab). They desire to be reliable, loyal, and arousing the confidence of their environment (Adj). They would like to be more spontaneous, conciliatory toward others, and in cooperation with their environment. Representatives of group B place in their ideal portrait especially such traits as: self-confidence, decisiveness in striving to achieve a goal (S-Cfd). handiness, interest in self, lesser involvement in the affairs of others (Nur), symptoms of egocentrism even narcissism (Exh), a desire to be more optimistic and have a lively, joyous manner of being. Representatives of group C want to be more resolute, decisive in striving to achieve a selected goal, to be able to undertake risks without fear of failing (No). They like new experiences, changes, and appear to be less tolerant toward that which is ..planned-finished" (Lab). They value intellectual talents and have a passion for their development (Int). They want to be dynamic, and have a wide spectrum of experiences (Cha). They value independence and self-sufficiency coupled with caution. They desire to keep faith in their own worth and talents. They also exhibit inclinations to leadership and domination (Def). Comparing the level of self-acceptance that respective groups exhibit, it appears that representatives of group A exhibit the most self-acceptance, next, representatives of group B, and last, representatives of group C. Believers fully accept themselves within the sphere of traits characteristic for scales: Lab. Agg. Cha, Def, Crs, but least accept themselves in scales:TJnfav. S-Cn, End, Ord. In turn, representatives of group B accept themselves in the scales: No. Lab, Met, Aut. Agg, Cha. and Def. expecting the greatest changes in scales: Unfav. S-Cfd. End, and Stic. Finally, representatives of group C accept themselves in 6 scales: No, Lab. Exh. Aut. Cha. and Def. and have the greatest desire to change their existing picture of self in the sphere of personality traits tested by scales: Df, Fav, Unfav. Ach, Dorn, End, Aff, and Suc. The results of the conducted study conclusively demonstrate, that personality tested within the aspect of the self-image created by an individual, remains in strict relation to an individual's religious stance.