Abstract
In this study, we utilize the Socialization Influence Framework to examine how personal religiosity may influence adolescent dating dynamics. We conducted fifty in-depth interviews with adolescent females aged 15-18 attending high schools in a mid-Atlantic city. Six broad themes characterizing healthy dating dynamics were identified: Investment in the Relationship; Healthy Communications; Harmonious Interactions; Non-Destructive Dynamics; Relations with Family, Friends and Others; and Maintenance of Personal Integrity. Differences in characterizations emerged in relation to the degree of personal religiosity. Findings have implications for faith-based initiatives and efforts to promote positive youth development. The process by which internalization of religious beliefs may also translate into risk for unhealthy dating dynamics remains an important area of study.
Highlights
U.S national data suggest that adolescents consider religion as an important factor that operates invisibly in the background of their lives (Sinha, Cnaan, & Gelles, 2007; Smith & Denton, 2005; Fletcher & Kumar, 2014)
In their systematic review of research on adolescent religiosity, Wong and colleagues argue that investigation is needed on the potentially negative dimensions, such as religious guilt and depression, as it may negatively impact mental health and interpersonal dynamics (Wong et al, 2006). 1.3 The Present Study Given the complexity of adolescent dating attitudes and behaviors, we utilized the Socialization Influence Framework (SIF) to guide this research (Wallace & Williams, 1997)
If the participant responded that she believed the trust was important in a healthy relationship, one follow-up question was “Can you describe what you mean by trust?” 2.4 Personal Religiosity Index We embedded a series of 5 closed-ended questions in the Interview Guide to facilitate the construction of a personal religiosity index
Summary
U.S national data suggest that adolescents consider religion as an important factor that operates invisibly in the background of their lives (Sinha, Cnaan, & Gelles, 2007; Smith & Denton, 2005; Fletcher & Kumar, 2014). Research is needed to better understand the mechanisms by which religiosity, as a personal belief system and cultural context, influences adolescent psychosocial development, in dating dynamics. While religious doctrine and practices may protect women, they may serve to encourage males’ dominant behavior and females’ submission to men, which may lead to unhealthy dating dynamics These observations raise questions as to whether certain religious beliefs or attitudes may be associated with staying in relationships that are emotionally, physically, and/or sexually unhealthy or harmful. In their systematic review of research on adolescent religiosity, Wong and colleagues argue that investigation is needed on the potentially negative dimensions, such as religious guilt and depression (from feeling criticized by their religious communities), as it may negatively impact mental health and interpersonal dynamics (Wong et al, 2006). While qualitative data does not afford an opportunity to test mediation (nor construct a structural equation or examine power), it does allow for stratified analyses, which we conducted to determine whether differences emerge in the characterizations of healthy dating relationships by degree of personal religiosity
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