The Effect of Religion on Adolescent Development
Religion can be complicated for a person at any age, let alone adolescents. Growing up, our parents are the main reason why we have any religious affiliation. They are the ones that take us to church, the mosque, the temple etc. so that we can have a foreground for the meaning of life. However, there is a large population of people who do not go to church at all. Whether or not adolescents are taken to church or shown religion and spirituality can have an impact on their development throughout their childhood all the way through adulthood. Religion can have an impact on cognitive development, self-efficacy, identity, relationships, sexual behavior, academic achievement and more.
Religion …show more content…
However that does not change the reality that religion, overall, has a positive impact on youth. The influence that religion has over adolescents is in a variety of aspects of their lives. The morals and values of an adolescent can change throughout time but still have the ability to weigh heavily on a child’s decisions and behaviors. Religion influences many values that an adolescent may have once they understand that consequences are more than just punishment from their parents. They begin to understand that it is also morally wrong i.e. The Ten Commandments. As stated above, the social aspect of a child’s life is one of the most important. Religious affiliation can give a child’s a sense of belonging as well as an academic push. Religion can also have a part of a child’s belief in premarital sex and the actions they partake in after the fact. Studies show that belonging to a religion is a positive influence in an adolescent’s life. The problem is that studies do not show the extent to which religion is apart of an individual’s life. In continuing the research, scholars will have to find ways that will have more detailed evidence, so that there will be a better understanding and correlations between religion and
Religion can be complicated for a person at any age, let alone adolescents. Growing up, our parents are the main reason why we have any religious affiliation. They are the ones that take us to church, the mosque, the temple etc. so that we can have a foreground for the meaning of life. However, there is a large population of people who do not go to church at all. Whether or not adolescents are taken to church or shown religion and spirituality can have an impact on their development throughout their childhood all the way through adulthood. Religion can have an impact on cognitive development, self-efficacy, identity, relationships, sexual behavior, academic achievement and more.
Religion …show more content…
However that does not change the reality that religion, overall, has a positive impact on youth. The influence that religion has over adolescents is in a variety of aspects of their lives. The morals and values of an adolescent can change throughout time but still have the ability to weigh heavily on a child’s decisions and behaviors. Religion influences many values that an adolescent may have once they understand that consequences are more than just punishment from their parents. They begin to understand that it is also morally wrong i.e. The Ten Commandments. As stated above, the social aspect of a child’s life is one of the most important. Religious affiliation can give a child’s a sense of belonging as well as an academic push. Religion can also have a part of a child’s belief in premarital sex and the actions they partake in after the fact. Studies show that belonging to a religion is a positive influence in an adolescent’s life. The problem is that studies do not show the extent to which religion is apart of an individual’s life. In continuing the research, scholars will have to find ways that will have more detailed evidence, so that there will be a better understanding and correlations between religion and