Abstract
<jats:p>The study examines the interconnections between religion, identity, and modernisation, and identifies the role of religious factors in shaping human health. The methodology has a theoretical analytical character and covers three groups of post-Soviet societies – Central Asian (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan), South Caucasian (Azerbaijan), and Western post-Soviet (Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia) – along with Tatar communities (Volga Region, Siberia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), analysing religious institutionalisation, levels of secularisation, religious activity, and the impact of spiritual practices on social and mental health. The study demonstrates that religious identity in the post-Soviet space performs integrative and adaptive functions, contributing to social stability and the preservation of cultural values. The highest level of institutional autonomy of religion and freedom of belief was observed in Western and South Caucasian countries (85 and 80 points respectively), while in Central Asian countries these indicators were 60 and 35 points. Tatar communities occupy an intermediate position, reflecting a balance between tradition and modernity (65 and 50 points). In the post-Soviet period, modernity is associated with a shift from a collective to an individual form of faith practice, strengthened religious education, and encouraged interfaith dialogue. Religious practice has therapeutic and integrative effects, positively influencing mental and social health. The greatest contribution to the behavioural component (40%) is associated with behavioural regulation, with cognitive and socio-emotional levels (30% each), confirming the role of spirituality as a resource for social adaptation and psychological well-being. The findings indicate that religion functions as a key mechanism of social integration and psychological adaptation in post Soviet societies.</jats:p>