Religion's Role in the Shaping of Self-Image, Aspirations, and Achievement in Youth
This project focuses on three outcomes: self-image, aspirations (educational and career), and educational achievement in youth. These three outcomes represent three of the most crucial developmental features in a youth's life: (1) the way in which a youth sees him/herself, (2) the goals he/she sets for the future, and (3) the degree to which he/she engages in school. All three of these outcomes are immensely important to future mental, physical, and socioeconomic well-being. However, relatively few studies focus squarely and rigorously on the role of religion in shaping these three outcomes; this study is designed to fill this gap. Compared to most Western countries, the United States has unusually high levels of religious affiliation, religious practice, and religious belief. Survey data suggest that around one-third of all Americans attend religious services weekly. Religious involvement is highest among young married couples with children, owing to norms that encourage the religious socialization of children and support for young families. Although there is a decrease in religious activity from the 8th to 12th grades, a steady 30% of 12th graders reported weekly religious service attendance throughout the 1990s, suggesting that religion plays a key role in youth development and preparation for the future. Indeed, numerous studies cite links between religion and youth outcomes. Several studies have shown modest positive relationships between religious participation and key aspects of self-image such as self-esteem, self-worth, mastery, and an internal locus of control. Modest relationships also exist between educational outcomes and both religious affiliation and religious service attendance. Religious participation is positively related to educational success; however, being raised in a Conservative Protestant context lowers educational aspirations and achievement, especially for young women. These findings suggest the importance of religious ideology and practice for shaping youths self-image, aspirations, and achievement; yet, evidence is still sparse as to what aspects of religious ideology and practice explain these relationships, what these relationships look like over time, and how these relationships vary by gender or race.
Principal Investigator: Lisa D. Pearce
CPC Fellow Investigator:
Funding Source: W.T. Grant Foundation
Funding Period: 7/1/2005 - 6/30/2012
Related CPC Signature Themes:
