More than 60 percent of all American high school seniors agree that religion is pretty or very important to them and nearly half attend religious services at least once a week. Does this have any impact on their behavior?
It appears so, according to a report from Child Trends, an independent, nonpartisan research center. In addition to smaller class sizes, mentoring programs, and a supportive family, belonging to a faith group appears to have a positive affect on teen behavior. The report finds that:
- Involvement with a religious institution is associated with lower adolescent drug and alcohol use and delays in sexual activity.
- There is a connection between younger teens' religious participation and more altruistic attitudes and behaviors, presumably reflecting both religious teachings and opportunities for participation in religious-related service activities.
- Parents' religious beliefs and practices were associated with risk-taking among teens, even when other influences were controlled.
- A connection was found between parental religious participation and lower levels of child behavior problems and with higher levels of adolescent social responsibility.
- Religious institutions may play a role in providing physical and emotional support to individuals and groups in need and exerting social controls over adherents' behavior, particularly in neighborhoods where other sources of social support, opportunity and control have broken down.
- Involvement with a religious institution is associated with delays in sexual activity. Some studies have shown, though, that when "religious" females do have sex they are less likely to use contraception.
The report authors defined religiosity as beliefs and practice of religion, which include attending religious services, being involved in activities sponsored by faith-based organizations, praying, and ascribing value to one's religious beliefs.
More research needs to be done in the area of religiosity and wellbeing. It's possible that the influential factor is primarily the social support available to teens from their religious community. If so, the same benefits linked to being part of a faith-based organization can also be gained though participation with nonreligious groups.
Still, faith-based communities provide children and teens with a network of caring adults and peers who are able to support them and provide opportunities for positive behaviors.
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