Exploring Social Identities in Indonesia: The Role of Religious and Ethnic Identities in Evaluating Well-Being

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15826/csp.2024.8.4.306

Abstract

This study examines the role of religious and ethnic identities on individuals’ reported relational well-being (RWB) in Indonesia. Our findings reveal that religious identity significantly impacts life evaluations, with active engagement in religious practices positively correlating with RWB. Conversely, ethnic identity does not demonstrate a significant association with RWB, particularly among younger adults, suggesting that positive religious relationships may supersede ethnic affiliations in well-being assessments. Notably, while particularistic and religiocentrism beliefs do not correlate with RWB, the salience of religious values, such as the principle of treating others as one wishes to be treated, exhibits a positive relationship with life evaluations. This underscores the importance of religious identity over ethnic identity in shaping well-being. The study contributes valuable insights for scholars and policymakers aiming to foster intergroup harmony and enhance life satisfaction through social identity interventions.

Author Biographies

Tery Setiawan, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia; Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Tery Setiawan is a Researcher at the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies, Radboud University, and a member of the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Kristen Maranatha. He focuses on social identity, interreligious conflicts, resilience, and wellbeing in Indonesia. His publications have appeared in the Asian Journal of Social Psychology, Archive for the Psychology of Religion, Journal of Urban Affairs, and several other high-impact journals.

Missiliana Riasnugrahani, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia

Missiliana Riasnugrahani is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia. She has received several grants from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology for her research on careers and well-being. She has also written books on careers and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Her research findings have been published in Career Development Quarterly, Heliyon, and several other Scopus-indexed journals.

Ellen Theresia, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia

Ellen Theresia is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia. Her research interests revolve around developmental psychology and well-being. Her research findings have been published in various editions including Scopus-indexed ones.

Meta Dwijayanthy, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia

Meta Dwijayanthy is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia. She focuses on the issues of career and well-being. Her research findings have been published in various editions, including Scopus-indexed ones.

Marissa Chitra Sulastra, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia

Marissa Chitra Sulastra is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia. She studies issues of child-adolescence development and flourishing. Her research findings have been published in various editions, including book chapters and journal articles.

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Published
2024-12-28
How to Cite
Setiawan, T., Riasnugrahani, M., Theresia, E., Dwijayanthy, M., & Sulastra, M. (2024). Exploring Social Identities in Indonesia: The Role of Religious and Ethnic Identities in Evaluating Well-Being. Changing Societies & Personalities, 8(4), 920–941. doi:10.15826/csp.2024.8.4.306
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Vol. 8, No. 4 (2024)
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Articles