SOCIOECONOMIC INEQUALITY AND LIFE SATISFACTION: THE MODERATING ROLE OF RELIGIOUS COPING AMONG ADULTS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Socioeconomic inequality remains a critical determinant of individual well-being, particularly in developing countries such as Pakistan. This study examined the impact of socioeconomic inequality on life satisfaction among adults in Pakistan, with a specific focus on the moderating role of religious coping. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 285 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the proposed relationships. The findings revealed that socioeconomic inequality has a significant negative effect on life satisfaction, indicating that individuals experiencing greater disparities in income, education, and access to resources tend to report lower levels of well-being. Religious coping was found to have a significant positive effect on life satisfaction, suggesting that individuals who engage in religious practices and spiritual coping mechanisms experience enhanced psychological well-being. Furthermore, the results confirmed that religious coping significantly moderates the relationship between socioeconomic inequality and life satisfaction, such that the negative impact of inequality is weakened among individuals with higher levels of religious coping. The study concludes that while socioeconomic inequality adversely affects life satisfaction, the presence of effective coping mechanisms, particularly religious coping, can mitigate these negative effects. The findings highlight the importance of integrating structural and psychological approaches in addressing well-being and provide valuable insights for policymakers, mental health practitioners, and social development initiatives in Pakistan.