Developing a Model of Wellness among Muslims: Examining the Role of Spirituality

The promotion of subjective well-being or wellness is an important aim of both policy and practice. Yet, little research has examined wellness among Muslims, despite the growth in the Muslim population and the discrimination they can encounter in the West. To address this gap in the literature, a model of wellness was developed and tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) with a sample of Muslims living in the USA (N=265). The results indicate that discrimination effects wellness indirectly, through increased levels of depression. Spirituality does not mediate the relationship between discrimination and wellness. Rather, it exhibits a direct, independent effect on both depression and wellness. The findings underscore the importance of addressing discrimination directed towards Muslims as a way to enhance wellness. The results also imply that spirituality can play a critical role in promoting wellness among Muslims, both directly and indirectly by reducing the level of depressive symptoms.