INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT, ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF THE ELDERLY IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

This research examined the relationship between religious engagement, family support, and psychological well-being among elderly Nigerians aged 55 years and above living in Lagos State. The study was guided by four hypotheses: religious engagement is a significant predictor ofpsychological well-being; family support is a significant predictor of psychological well-being; religious engagement mediates the correlation between family support and psychological well-being; and religious engagement and family support are significant predictors of psychologicalwell-being. Using a quantitative descriptive design, 300 elderly participants were selected through purposive sampling to reflect varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. A structured questionnaire captured demographic data, religious involvement, family support, and psychological well-being (measured with Ryff’s scale). Data analysis employed SPSS 26, using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analysis. Findingsrevealed that both religious engagement (R² = 0.057, p < 0.001) and family support (R² = 0.030, p = 0.003) were significant predictors of psychological well-being, but surprisingly, both had negative beta coefficients (religious engagement β = -0.220; family support β = -0.205), indicatingthat higher engagement or support was linked to lower well-being. Religious engagement partially mediated the family support–well-being relationship (indirect effect = -0.0517, 95% CI: -0.1192 to -0.0152). Their interaction also showed significant but negative effects, possibly reflecting emotional or social strain influenced by demographic factors. Contrary to much global literaturesuggesting positive effects, this study found that in the Nigerian context, excessive religious participation and family dependency may reduce psychological well-being in the elderly. The study recommends culturally sensitive interventions, including government-funded mental health programs, balanced community caregiving, and awareness initiatives in religious institutions. Future research should explore these patterns across Nigeria’s regions to better inform policy andpractice.