Editorial

10 pages, 229 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Ecological Perspectives on Religion and Positive Youth Development

by Mona M. Abo-Zena and Meenal Rana

Religions 2020, 11(8), 406; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel11080406 - 07 Aug 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2852

A positivist orientation that marginalized the study of religion and spirituality in social science research has limited both its scope and focus. Given a primarily cognitive orientation to this inquiry, children, adolescents, and emerging adults were typically not the focus of research. More [...] Read more.

A positivist orientation that marginalized the study of religion and spirituality in social science research has limited both its scope and focus. Given a primarily cognitive orientation to this inquiry, children, adolescents, and emerging adults were typically not the focus of research. More recently, the scope of research has been broadened to emphasize the need to understand contextual and developmental nuances, which are increasingly being reflected in a range of research designs, methods, and samples. The burgeoning scholarship on the role of religion and spirituality in the development of youth during this particularly formative developmental period has begun to shed light on how religion promotes and challenges positive youth development. While this expanding focus has begun to describe youth’s developmental experiences, the deep interconnections between individual youth, religious and spiritual systems, and the contexts and relationships in which youth develop remain understudied. This special issue on the role of religion and spirituality on positive youth development asserts the import of exploring ecological perspectives and influences when studying the role of religion and spirituality in the development of diverse youth and draws from interdisciplinary and lifespan perspectives to continue mapping the terrain of this area of study and ways to navigate it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Perspectives on Religion and Positive Youth Development)

Research

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19 pages, 590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Religiousness and Hope: Examining the Roles of Spirituality and Social Connections among Salvadoran Youth

by Pamela Ebstyne King, Jennifer Medina Vaughn, Yeonsoo Yoo, Jonathan M. Tirrell, Elizabeth M. Dowling, Richard M. Lerner, G. John Geldhof, Jacqueline V. Lerner, Guillermo Iraheta, Kate Williams and Alistair T. R. Sim

Religions 2020, 11(2), 75; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel11020075 - 07 Feb 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5527

Abstract

Given the strong link between religiousness and hope, we sought to further understand the relations of these potentially powerful resources for youth living in adversity. Although existing research suggests that religiousness might be associated with adolescent hope via spirituality and social connections, few [...] Read more.

Given the strong link between religiousness and hope, we sought to further understand the relations of these potentially powerful resources for youth living in adversity. Although existing research suggests that religiousness might be associated with adolescent hope via spirituality and social connections, few studies have tested models that integrate both. Thus, as applied psychologists, the aim of this paper was to test a theoretical model in the lives of youth. Drawing on a Relational Developmental Systems metatheory, we sought to further elucidate the relations between religiousness and hope and to explore how involvement in the faith-based youth-development organization, Compassion International (CI), might facilitate character strengths like hope. In order to do so, we tested whether religiousness was directly and indirectly (via spirituality and social connection) related to hopeful future expectations, using a sample of 9–15-year-olds in El Salvador (M = 11.6 years; n = 888), half of whom were involved in CI and the other half of whom were a locally matched counterfactual sample. Structural equation models revealed that higher levels of religiousness were directly and indirectly associated with higher levels of hope in relation to higher levels of spirituality and social connections among these youth. CI-supported youth reported significantly higher levels of religiousness than the counterfactual sample. Findings suggest that the relationship between religiousness and hope is best understood when it incorporates youth’s spirituality and social connections associated with religion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Perspectives on Religion and Positive Youth Development)

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24 pages, 728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Where Our Bright Star Is Cast: Religiosity, Spirituality, and Positive Black Development in Urban Landscapes

by Jacqueline S. Mattis, Gordon J. M. Palmer and Meredith O. Hope

Religions 2019, 10(12), 654; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel10120654 - 29 Nov 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4891

Abstract

Social science research offers a particular, narrow view of the lived experiences of Black urban-residing people. When the religious and spiritual lives of Black urban residents are viewed through this narrow lens, the diversity of religious and spiritual experiences and the connections between [...] Read more.

Social science research offers a particular, narrow view of the lived experiences of Black urban-residing people. When the religious and spiritual lives of Black urban residents are viewed through this narrow lens, the diversity of religious and spiritual experiences and the connections between everyday life and positive outcomes, such as compassion, hope, liberation, joy, etc., become flattened, doing a disservice to the very people whose experiences we aim to understand. We contend that understanding the link between religiosity, spirituality, and positive development among Black urban-residing people requires us to pay attention to the ways that faith helps Black people to navigate the sequelae of five distinct sociopolitical features of urban life. We propose a conceptual framework that links these sociopolitical factors to religiosity, spirituality, and positive development among Black youth and adults residing in urban spaces. We conclude with recommendations applicable to the study of Black urban religiosity and spirituality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Perspectives on Religion and Positive Youth Development)

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16 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developmental Implications of Children’s Early Religious and Spiritual Experiences in Context: A Sociocultural Perspective

by Mona M. Abo-Zena and Allegra Midgette

Religions 2019, 10(11), 631; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel10110631 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 11664

Abstract

Religious and spiritual experiences have implications for many aspects of development across the lifespan, including during early childhood. A focus on religion and spirituality expands beyond a discrete domain of social science (e.g., cognitive development) and involves developmental, social-psychological, affective and emotional phenomena, [...] Read more.

Religious and spiritual experiences have implications for many aspects of development across the lifespan, including during early childhood. A focus on religion and spirituality expands beyond a discrete domain of social science (e.g., cognitive development) and involves developmental, social-psychological, affective and emotional phenomena, and personality. This conceptual paper contributes to the literature regarding the understudied role of religion and spirituality in the lives of young children and their families in order to contribute to a comprehensive study of human development. After a concise review of the literature on religious development, this paper draws from the sociocultural perspective and illustrative examples of lived experiences to frame young children’s religious participation and gives particular consideration to religious minorities. While the sociocultural perspective captures the range of children’s experiences, this manuscript introduces the understudied role of emotion as a motivator for children’s selection of experiences. The paper concludes with implications for practitioners and suggestions for future research, practice, and policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Perspectives on Religion and Positive Youth Development)

19 pages, 305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mistaken Identities: The Media and Parental Ethno-Religious Socialization in a Midwestern Sikh Community

by Meenal Rana, Desiree B. Qin and Carmina Vital-Gonzalez

Religions 2019, 10(10), 571; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel10100571 - 12 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5280

Abstract

Strong anti-Islamic sentiments increased dramatically after the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, leading to an uptick in prejudice and the perpetration of hate crimes targeting Muslims. Sikh men and boys, often mistaken for Muslims, suffered as collateral damage. The overall health [...] Read more.

Strong anti-Islamic sentiments increased dramatically after the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, leading to an uptick in prejudice and the perpetration of hate crimes targeting Muslims. Sikh men and boys, often mistaken for Muslims, suffered as collateral damage. The overall health of both communities has been adversely affected by these experiences. Faced with such realities, communities and parents often adopt adaptive behaviors to foster healthy development in their children. In this paper, drawing on interviews with 23 Sikh parents from 12 families, we examine Sikh parents’ ethno-religious socialization of their children. The confluence of media stereotyping and mistaken identities has shaped Sikh parents’ beliefs regarding their children’s retention/relinquishment of outward identity markers. Sikh parents, in general, are concerned about the safety of their boys, due to the distinctive appearance of their religious markers, such as the turban. They are engaged in a constant struggle to ensure that their children are not identified as Muslims and to protect them from potential harm. In most of the families in our study, boys were raised to give up wearing the indicators of their ethno-religious group. In addition, many parents took responsibility for educating the wider community about their ethno-religious practices through direct communication, participation in cultural events, and support of other ethno-religious minorities. Policy implications are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Perspectives on Religion and Positive Youth Development)

21 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Religion and Positive Youth Development: Challenges for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Susan Crawford Sullivan and Victoria Aramini

Religions 2019, 10(10), 540; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel10100540 - 20 Sep 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4920

Abstract

While previous research confirms the role religion can play in positive youth development, much existing research leaves out consideration of underrepresented populations. One important underrepresented population is children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which now impacts one in 59 children in [...] Read more.

While previous research confirms the role religion can play in positive youth development, much existing research leaves out consideration of underrepresented populations. One important underrepresented population is children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which now impacts one in 59 children in the United States. Using qualitative data collected from in depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews of 53 parents/caregivers, in this article, we analyze barriers and opportunities in religious education for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. We analyze factors impacting whether parents perceive their children to have a supportive and appropriate religious education experience or an unsupportive and alienating experience. We also provide recommendations for congregations and argue for inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorder in future research on religion and positive youth development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Perspectives on Religion and Positive Youth Development)

14 pages, 557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studying Sacred Texts as a Pathway to Positive Youth Development: Middle School Students Read Hebrew Bible

by Ziva Hassenfeld

Religions 2019, 10(6), 379; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel10060379 - 12 Jun 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5154

Abstract

In many religious education classrooms, the meaning of a sacred text is treated as something stable and authoritative. A teacher’s job is to transmit that meaning to students. This study reports on a year-long intervention conducted in a seventh grade Hebrew Bible classroom [...] Read more.

In many religious education classrooms, the meaning of a sacred text is treated as something stable and authoritative. A teacher’s job is to transmit that meaning to students. This study reports on a year-long intervention conducted in a seventh grade Hebrew Bible classroom in which students were asked to find their own meaning in the biblical text. The study found that religious text classrooms can offer a unique opportunity to support positive youth development when an effective interpretive community is created. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Perspectives on Religion and Positive Youth Development)

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Review

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21 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessReview

Positive Youth Religious and Spiritual Development: What We Have Learned from Religious Families

by David C. Dollahite and Loren D. Marks

Religions 2019, 10(10), 548; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/rel10100548 - 25 Sep 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 10141

Abstract

In this article, we highlight the contributions of the findings from a branch of the American Families of Faith national research project that pertain to positive religious and spiritual development in youth. We present detailed findings from six previous studies on religious youth [...] Read more.

In this article, we highlight the contributions of the findings from a branch of the American Families of Faith national research project that pertain to positive religious and spiritual development in youth. We present detailed findings from six previous studies on religious youth and their parents from diverse faith communities (various denominations in Christianity, three major branches of Judaism, and two major groups in Islam). We discuss what our findings suggest for positive religious/spiritual development, particularly in a family context. Finally, we suggest several ways to strengthen the literature on development in youth by exploring positive religious/spiritual development in relation to (a) social and political activism, (b) popular media and music, (c) participation in secular activities (e.g., sports, arts, gaming), (d) wrestling with BIG questions (i.e., questions involving Being, Intimacy, and God), (e) conversion and disaffiliation, (f) interfaith knowledge and experience, (g) impactful personal experiences, (h) volunteerism and service, (i) religious rituals, ceremonies, and traditions, (j) mental illness, (k) mindfulness and meditation, (l) temperament and personality, (m) agency and personal choices, (n) sexual orientation and experiences, and (o) generative devotion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Perspectives on Religion and Positive Youth Development)

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