Between the Inside and the Outside World: Coping of Ultra-Orthodox Individuals with Their Work Environment After Academic Studies

This study has explored how ultra-Orthodox individuals cope when facing secular norms and values in their work environment. The study was conducted in Israel, where 614 ultra-Orthodox adults answered questions regarding demographic characteristics, identities, openness to the workplace, social environment, Brief Cope, community sense of coherence (CSOC) and Employee Satisfaction Inventory. Individuals in the main sectors of the ultra-Orthodox society reported higher CSOC and stronger religiosity while individuals from the minor sectors reported greater openness to the job’s social environment. Demographics, coping strategies and CSOC were significant in explaining job satisfaction. The results will be discussed based on stress and coping theories and on the salutogenic theory.