A study of the link between self-esteem and spiritual experience of parents living in the "City of Sadness" of Hong Kong

Abstract

Spirituality refers to an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of their being. It is also regarded as the deepest values and meanings by which people live. Spirituality is connected with health and well-being that is reflected in the quality of relationships that people have with themselves and with others. Research indicates that spirituality is associated with mental health, substance abuse prevention, marital functioning, parenting, and coping. This study examines the relationship between spiritual experience and psychological well-being of parents living in the remote district of Tin Shui Wai, stigmatized as the 'City of Sadness' in Hong Kong. The results suggest that more daily spiritual experience predicts higher level of self-esteem among parents.