Religion and Immigrant-Origin Youth: A Resource and a Challenge

113

This is a systematic review of 30 years (1988‐2017) of empirical research on processes of religious/spiritual influence in adolescence. We followed a multi‐step process that resulted in 241 studies organized according to eight research questions and the corresponding methods and analyses typically used to address them. We coded these studies based on the dimensions of religiosity/spirituality and the youth outcomes involved. In some cases (quantitative studies of mediation and moderation, as well as qualitative studies) we also coded a third process variable. Results of the coding process revealed a number of interesting patterns. First, religiosity/spirituality is generally adaptive for adolescents, protecting them from negative outcomes (e.g., risk behaviors and mental illness), and promoting positive youth development and flourishing. Nevertheless, in some contexts, religiosity/spirituality may be at least partially maladaptive. Second, there is some evidence, from experimental and longitudinal studies, that relations between religiosity/spirituality and adaptive outcomes are causal. Third, there are numerous complex and dynamic processes by which religiosity/spirituality relate to youth outcomes. In terms of mediation studies, the most salient mediating processes seem to involve religiosity/spirituality dimensions, peers, values/attitudes, and social control/norms. Fourth, religiosity/spirituality is multidimensional, involving various interwoven facets at the individual and ecological levels. Private or personal aspects of religiosity/spirituality (e.g., religious/spiritual importance) tend to be more salient predictors of outcomes than public aspects of religiosity/spirituality (e.g., religious worship service attendance). The results of this systematic review point to promising directions for future research. First, more research is needed studying a broader range of dimensions of religiosity/spirituality, processes of influence, and outcomes. In terms of religiosity/spirituality, much of the prior work has focused on overall religiosity/spirituality, and religious/spiritual behaviors (e.g., worship service attendance). In terms of outcomes, the emphasis has been on religiosity/spirituality protecting against maladaptive outcomes (e.g., substance use). Second, more research is needed examining the role of culture, and using more rigorous methods (e.g., experience sampling, experimental design, longitudinal design, or mixed methods). This systematic review provides a detailed analysis of what is known regarding processes of religious/spiritual influence in the lives of adolescents, and hopefully better positions researchers to move the field forward.

Section: Future Directionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: (Q8) How Do Youth Experience Their Religiosity and Spiritualmentioning

confidence: 99%

Processes of Religious and Spiritual Influence in Adolescence: A Systematic Review of 30 Years of Research

Hardy

Nelson

Moore

et al. 2019

113

“…Lastly, the inductive nature of qualitative methods leaves them more open to unexpected findings that may challenge common understandings in the field. For instance, qualitative methods may be more open to the complex ways in which RS may be both helpful and harmful to adolescents (Abo‐Zena & Barry, ).…”

Section: Eight Guiding Questions About Processes Of Rs Influencementioning

confidence: 99%

Processes of Religious and Spiritual Influence in Adolescence: Introduction to a Special Section

Hardy

King

2019

This paper serves as the lead article introducing the special section of the Journal of Research on Adolescence focused on processes of religious and spiritual influence during adolescence. The purpose of the special section is to review prior theory and research on the processes by which religiosity and spirituality might influence youth outcomes, present original cutting‐edge theory and research on processes of religious and spiritual influence, and point to the most fruitful directions and methodological approaches for future work in the area. The special section is guided by eight research questions which push researchers to go beyond mere bivariate associations between religion/spirituality and youth outcomes to unpacking the processes of influence at work.

“…While religion may contribute positively to youth development through a variety of mechanisms and processes such as providing a sense of purpose, religion may also challenge development, particularly when worldviews from sociocultural and religious sources seem irreconcilable (King & Boyatzis, ). Reconciling the disparities between mainstream cultural norms and Islam's may both challenge and facilitate meaning‐making generally, and inform religious identity development (Abo‐Zena & Barry, ). The girls largely spoke with pride about Islamic dress and some described it as a right (i.e., not just an obligation).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Being Young, Muslim, and Female: Youth Perspectives on the Intersection of Religious and Gender Identities

Abo‐Zena

2019

Self Cite

Grounded in cultural developmental and critical gender perspectives, this study focuses on the narratives of early adolescent Muslim females. The mixed‐methods study sample included 26 individuals who identify as Muslim and female and was designed to understand the strengths and challenges they face from a youth‐centered and ecologically valid perspective as they negotiate normative developmental experiences (e.g., participating in sports, developing a personal style in terms of dress) given the religious meaning of the onset of puberty. Youth described a wide range of personal, peer, family, and faith based support that they draw on, but also outlined societal and family related challenges. The manuscript concludes with future directions for developmental science scholarship and implications for practitioners and families.