Religious Involvement and Adolescent Substance Use

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Citation

Hill, Terrence D.; Burdette, Amy M.; Weiss, Michael L.; & Chitwood, Dale D. (2009). Religious Involvement and Adolescent Substance Use.. Leukefeld, Carl G.; Gullotta, Thomas P.; & Staton-Tindall, Michele (Eds.) (pp. 171-189). New York: Springer.

Abstract

Religious involvement – indicated by observable feelings, beliefs, activities, and experiences in relation to spiritual, divine, or supernatural entities – is a prevalent and powerful force in the lives of American adolescents. According to national estimates, over 80% of adolescents report affiliations with religious groups (mostly Catholic and Conservative Protestant denominations), roughly 38% attend religious services at least once per week, and over 90% believe in God and Heaven (Gallup & Bezilla, 1992; Regnerus, 2007; Smith, Denton, Faris, & Regnerus, 2002). Studies show that religious involvement is associated with a wide range of favorable adolescent outcomes, including generally healthier lifestyles, greater mental and physical well-being, conformity to rules and laws, positive family relationships, and lower rates of risky sexual practices (Regnerus, 2003; Smith, 2003a; Wallace & Forman, 1998).

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09732-9_9

Reference Type

Book Section

Year Published

2009

Author(s)

Hill, Terrence D.
Burdette, Amy M.
Weiss, Michael L.
Chitwood, Dale D.