Religiosity, Emotional Maturity and Adjustment among Working and Non-working Women

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the religiosity, emotional maturity and adjustment among working and non-working women. It also examined the interrelationships of these variables with one another as well as with education and age. The sample consisted of 100 women aged 25–55 years, including 50 working and 50 non-working women, selected through purposive sampling from rural and urban areas of Rae-Bareli district. Three standardized measures (1) Religiosity Scale by Bhushan (2009), (2) Emotional Maturity Scale by Singh and Bhargava (2012) and (3) Adjustment Inventory by Asthana (1968) were administered. Mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s product moment correlations and t-tests were employed for data analysis. Findings of the t-tests revealed significant differences between working and non-working women. Non-working women reported higher levels of religiosity and emotional maturity whereas working women demonstrated better adjustment. Correlational analysis also showed distinct patterns across groups. Among working women education is negatively related to religiosity and emotional maturity. Religiosity is positively associated with emotional maturity. Among non-working women emotional maturity emerged as a significant correlate of adjustment and education is negatively associated with age. The findings suggest that women’s psychological functioning is shaped by employment status, role demands and socio-cultural context highlighting the dynamic nature of emotional maturity and adjustment.