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

Abstract

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).

Faith Unchanged: Spirituality, But Not Christian Beliefs and Attitudes, Is Altered in Newly Diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease

“…This self-report instrument, originally published by the Fetzer Institute & National Institute on Aging Working Group [13], assesses the following dimensions as defined by Johnstone et al [23]: (a) positive (15 items) and negative (two items) spiritual experiences (positive and negative emotional experiences of connectedness with a higher power/the universe/God); (b) forgiveness (five items; a specific coping strategy of forgiving others/oneself and being forgiven by a higher power/God); (c) cultural-religious practices (five items; prayers, rituals, and religious services); (d) positive (two items) and negative (two items) congregational support (support or rejection by the religious community). Each item is scored on a zero-to three-point Likert-type scale.…”

Spirituality, gender, and drug use among students from one University in Barbados

“…[17][18][19][20] In addition, some research also suggests that although related, spirituality can exist separately from religious beliefs and practices. 21 Spirituality can generally be conceptualised as the experience of a direct relationship with a higher power, and feelings of purpose based on the belief in this power that allows for self-exploration and discovery of a meaningful life.…”

Factors Associated with African American Women’s Sexual Health and Risk Behavior: A Mixed Methods Study

“…The BMMRS is a 38-item, self-report measure designed to distinguish between the concepts of spirituality and religiosity while measuring their connection to health (Fetzer Institute & National Institute on Aging Working Group, 1999;Johnstone, McCormack, Yoon, & Smith, 2012;Johnstone, Yoon, Franklin, Schopp, & Hinkebein, 2009). The instrument was developed under the assumption that religiousness and spirituality are linked to health through behavioral, social, psychological, and physiological factors (Fetzer Institute & National Institute on Aging Working Group, 1999).…”

“…The instrument was developed under the assumption that religiousness and spirituality are linked to health through behavioral, social, psychological, and physiological factors (Fetzer Institute & National Institute on Aging Working Group, 1999). The instrument includes 12 domains each selected by developers based upon their theoretical or practical influence on health outcomes (Fetzer Institute & National Institute on Aging Working Group, 1999;Johnstone et al, 2009;J. Williams et al, 2012).…”

“…Domains included on the BMMRS to assess several facets of religiosity and spirituality include the following: 1) daily spiritual experiences; 2) meaning; 3) values; 4) beliefs; 5) forgiveness; 6) private religious practices; 7) religious/spiritual coping; 8) religious support; 9) religious/spiritual history; 10) commitment; 11) organizational religiousness; and 12) religious preferences (Fetzer Institute & National Institute on Aging Working Group, 1999;Johnstone et al, 2012;Johnstone et al, 2009). A detailed description of BMMRS domains is listed in Shim et al, 2013).…”