Impact of Religious Beliefs on Psychological Well-Being and Social Functioning Among Indian Generation Z in Digitally Saturated Environments

Generation Z is increasingly exposed to digitally saturated environments characterized by continuous online engagement, social comparison, and heightened psychological demands. Within the Indian socio-cultural context, religious belief systems traditionally function as psychosocial resources that foster emotional regulation, social integration, and identity development. However, empirical research examining the role of religious engagement among Indian Generation Z remains limited. The present study examined the impact of religious beliefs on psychological well-being and social functioning among Generation Z individuals (N = 120) aged 15–30 years in Ahmedabad, India. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using purposive sampling. Participants were categorized into religiously engaged (n = 60) and non-engaged groups (n = 60). Standardized measures of psychological well-being and social skills were administered. Data were analyzed using independent samples t -tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that religiously engaged participants demonstrated significantly higher psychological well-being, t (95.46) = 3.25, p = .002, and social skills, U = 803, p < .001. A significant positive correlation was found between psychological well-being and social functioning, r = .334, p < .001. Regression analysis revealed that religious engagement and gender significantly predicted psychological well-being, R ² = .132, F (3, 116) = 5.89, p = .001. The findings suggest that religious beliefs function as adaptive psychosocial resources that enhance emotional resilience, social competence, and psychological well-being among Generation Z in digitally saturated environments.