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| Illustration by Ai |
A study published in 2026 has found a strong positive relationship between religiosity and family well-being among members of Indonesia’s National Armed Forces (TNI). The research was conducted by Steven S. N. Rogahang of Universitas Negeri Manado (UNIMA) and published in the Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA). The findings suggest that religious beliefs, practices, and spiritual experiences can serve as important sources of resilience for military families facing the unique pressures of military life.
Military families often encounter challenges that differ from those faced by the general population. Frequent relocations, long deployments, operational risks, and uncertainty about the safety of family members can place considerable emotional and psychological strain on spouses and children. Understanding the factors that help these families maintain stability and well-being has become increasingly important for policymakers, military institutions, and social support organizations.
Why the Research Matters
The Indonesian National Armed Forces rely heavily on family support systems to maintain the readiness and effectiveness of military personnel. While previous studies have shown that religiosity can improve mental health, life satisfaction, and coping abilities, research specifically focused on military families remains limited. Rogahang’s study addresses this gap by examining how religious commitment relates to the welfare of TNI families and identifying demographic factors associated with both religiosity and well-being.
The study arrives at a time when mental health, family resilience, and social support systems are receiving growing attention worldwide. For military communities, identifying protective factors that strengthen families can contribute to better long-term outcomes for both service members and their loved ones.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research used a quantitative correlational approach and relied on secondary data collected from scientific journals, research reports, government statistics, military welfare surveys, and online databases related to family welfare and religiosity. The analysis combined descriptive methods, correlation analysis, and regression techniques to explore patterns between religiosity and well-being among TNI families.
The study examined three dimensions of religiosity:
- Religious beliefs
- Religious behavior
- Religious experiences
It also evaluated family well-being through four dimensions:
- Physical well-being
- Social well-being
- Emotional well-being
- Economic well-being
Key Findings
The results showed that religiosity levels among TNI families were generally moderate to high. Religious belief received the highest average score at 4.27, categorized as high. Religious behavior scored 3.89, while religious experience scored 3.75, both classified as moderate.
Family well-being also showed encouraging results. Social well-being recorded the highest average score at 4.11, followed by physical well-being at 3.92. Emotional well-being and economic well-being scored 3.68 and 3.45, respectively, indicating moderate levels.
Perhaps the most significant finding was the strong positive relationship between religiosity and overall family welfare.
The correlation analysis revealed:
- Overall religiosity and family well-being: r = 0.637
- Religious beliefs and family well-being: r = 0.512
- Religious behavior and family well-being: r = 0.589
- Religious experience and family well-being: r = 0.601
All relationships were statistically significant, indicating that higher levels of religiosity were associated with higher levels of family well-being.
The study also identified several demographic factors that influence religiosity and welfare.
For religiosity, the strongest predictors were:
- Age
- Educational level
- Marital status
Older, married, and better-educated military families tended to report higher levels of religiosity.
For family well-being, the most influential factors were:
- Educational attainment
- Marital status
- Military rank
Families with higher education levels, stable marital relationships, and higher military ranks generally reported better welfare outcomes.
Religiosity as a Source of Resilience
According to the study, religiosity functions as more than a set of beliefs. It provides meaning, emotional support, hope, and coping mechanisms that help families manage stress and uncertainty. Military families often face periods of separation, operational risks, and sudden changes in living conditions. Religious practices and spiritual convictions may help them adapt to these circumstances while maintaining family cohesion.
The research further explains that each dimension of religiosity contributes differently to well-being. Religious beliefs provide purpose and meaning, religious behavior fosters social connections and community support, and religious experiences offer inner peace and psychological strength. Together, these elements can strengthen family resilience during challenging periods.
As Rogahang of Universitas Negeri Manado concludes, religiosity represents an important resource that helps TNI families cope with the distinctive pressures of military life while supporting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. This interpretation is supported by the study’s evidence showing positive contributions from all three dimensions of religiosity.
Implications for Policy and Practice
The findings have practical implications for military institutions, counselors, family support organizations, and policymakers.
Programs designed to strengthen military families could benefit from incorporating religious or spiritual components, particularly those focused on resilience building, counseling, emotional support, and family development. The study recommends training and intervention programs that acknowledge the role of spirituality in helping military families navigate stress and maintain well-being.
For military leadership, the research highlights the importance of considering educational opportunities, family support structures, and social resources when developing welfare initiatives. Since education and marital stability were linked to higher well-being, these areas may represent valuable targets for future support programs.
Author Profile
Steven S. N. Rogahang is a researcher from Universitas Negeri Manado (UNIMA), Indonesia. His work focuses on social, family, and community-related issues, including the relationship between religiosity, resilience, and well-being among Indonesian families.
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