Question

How have seeing more clearly by understanding the larger reality, such as divorce, religion, etc have had an impact on the way that you see yourself, others, and all things? Please respond in a way that you're speaking of own experiences.

Answer 1

1.Religion

Depending on where you live ,religion may make you feel better about yourself by making you feel a part of the larger culture.People who are religios have higher self esteem and better psychological adjustment than people who aren't.

Religiou people tend to be happier than non believers.This happiness is not coming from any particilar belief,but may be from the social joy they feel of being a part of regular service, that is getting together with others at a common place (church or temple) allows people to build social networks,closer ties,and ultimately more life satisfaction.

Religion may raise self esteem.People feel better by feeling a part of the large culture.Studies shows that people who are religious have higher self esteem and psychological adjustment than people who aren't.

Believers can fall back on their faith to deal with setbacks gracefully. this trick often dosen't work with atheists( non believers).The atheists seems to be more stressed when they made mistakes.

According to the study of 1998 published in the American journal of psychiatry reveals that older patients who sufferred from depression recovered better from their mental struggles, if religion is an intrinsic part of their lives.

Religion is more linked with health, religious people have more moral support,better coping skills and a more positive self image than people who are not religious.

But religion can be an addiction for some people.Some people are passionate about their religious convictions.Eg:- Suicide bombers are so identified with their religious beliefs that these beliefs override their survival instinct.In some cases believers become pathologically addicted to practices and outlooks and easily become obsessive,deeply hostile,manipulative and violent.

We can appreciate and respect those who are guided by spiritual ideals to practice love and compassion.

Divorce

Divorce means the dissoution of marital bonds or termination of marital relations,rights and obligations.Divorce can change one's personality.

After divorce there is a condition of stress .Most people fall in to one or two extremes.When they begin the divorce process they either shut down mentally or suddenly develop an intently overzealous.Going throgh divorce can be exyremely traumatic for everyone involved.People who undergo divorce face a variety of psychological issues including increased stress ,lower life satisfaction,depression,incresed medical visits and overall increase in mortality list.

Divorce can be a long and drawn out legal process,involving  in mutual blame, stating reasons why marriage happened to fail,custody battles for children etc and the entire process can become a nightmare for many people.The outcome seems to vary depending oon how well people can cope following divorce and how the married life was before they decided to divorce.

The problems they face from the society will ceartainly have an impact in their outlook.The single parent will be overloaded.Social stigma and disapproval they face from society is another factor.Change in residence,community, school of children,work place will force them to develop a new social circle.they may undergo social isolation, loss of friends etc.Lack of social sopport and need for sole decision making may cause stress and strain.

Interpersonal conflicts may be there with children,ex-spouse,parents, former in laws etc.

Sometime there will be continued relationship with ex spouse due to visitation of children.There will be also confusion regarding ,starting a new life.Sometimes there will need to accomodate a new person in to life due to re marriage.