Religiosity and Outcomes Among Child Welfare-Involved Youth

Abstract

Religiosity is understudied among child welfare-involved adolescents. This study examined the effects religiosity on seven outcomes [substance use disorder (SUD), positive future expectations, delinquency, depression, loneliness, school disengagement, and early sexual activity] in order to understand and support child welfare-involved youth and minimize the effects of trauma. Utilizing the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (Wave I & II), which uses a representative sample of children and adolescents with a child maltreatment report, we used logistic regression to predict each of the seven outcomes longitudinally. Youth (n = 474) who reported that religiosity was very important in Wave I were 53% less likely (OR .47, CI .24–.90, p < .05) to have SUD in Wave II than youth who reported that it was not important or only a little important. In addition, youth (n = 552) who reported that religiosity was very important in Wave I were 2.27 times as likely (CI 1.11–4.65, p < .05) to have positive future expectations in Wave II (e.g., graduate from high school; get a good job). Religiosity did not predict other outcomes nor did attendance to faith-based organizations. In order to help prevent SUD and promote positive future expectations, professionals or caregivers can: (1) assess levels of/religiosity and desire to grow accordingly; and (2) suggest use of resources in the community that foster religiosity.