DOES RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE SPIRITUALITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE PREDICT WISDOM? A CROSS-AGE ANALYSIS

摘要

Our on-going mixed-methods study examines the relationship between wisdom and other variables such as religiosity, spirituality, and quality of life among 75 Canadians and 89 South Koreans (total 164) in two age groups: 106 younger adults [age 18–25], and 58 older adults [age 60–85]). Multiple regression and bivariate correlation analyses reveal that these variables predict wisdom in both age groups, although quality of life is the only significant variable to predict wisdom in both groups. Only quality of life is correlated to the total wisdom score in the younger groups, whereas quality of life, religious experience, and spirituality are positively related to wisdom in the older age groups. Interestingly though, the elders’ daily spiritual experience is negatively related to wisdom. The results show that elders in both countries who seek spirituality, religious experience and belief are more likely wise, and their wisdom may link to their quality of life.