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Re-conceptualizing the Factor Structure of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality

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Abstract

Rationale This study attempted to differentiate statistically the spiritual and religious factors of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS), which was developed based on theoretical conceptualizations that have yet to be adequately empirically validated in a population with significant health disorders. Participants One hundred sixty-four individuals with heterogeneous medical conditions [i.e., brain injury, spinal cord injury (SCI), cancer, stroke, primary care conditions]. Methods Participants completed the BMMRS as part of a pilot study on spirituality, religion, and physical and mental health. Results A principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization identified a six-factor solution (opposed to the expected 8-factor solution) accounting for 60% of the variance in scores, labeled as: (1) Positive Spiritual Experience; (2) Negative Spiritual Experience; (3) Forgiveness; (4) Religious Practices; (5) Positive Congregational Support; and (6) Negative Congregational Support. Conclusions The results suggest the BMMRS assesses distinct positive and negative aspects of religiousness and spirituality that may be best conceptualized in a psychoneuroimmunological context as measuring: (a) Spiritual Experiences (i.e., emotional experience of feeling connected with a higher power/the universe); (b) Religious Practices (i.e., prayer, rituals, service attendance); (c) Congregational Support; and (d) Forgiveness (i.e., a specific coping strategy that can be conceptualized as religious or non-religious in context).

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Acknowledgments

This article was supported with funding from the Center on Religion and the Professions at the University of Missouri-Columbia, funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Psychology, DC116.88, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA

    Brick Johnstone, Kelly Lora Franklin, Laura Schopp & Joseph Hinkebein

  2. MU School of Social Work, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA

    Dong Pil Yoon

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  1. Brick Johnstone
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Correspondence to Brick Johnstone.

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Johnstone, B., Yoon, D.P., Franklin, K.L. et al. Re-conceptualizing the Factor Structure of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality. J Relig Health 48, 146–163 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-008-9179-9

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