Religious and Spiritual Development

Abstract

AbstractAlthough religion and spirituality have long been an integral part of being human, this is the first empirical chapter to be included in theHandbook of Child Psychology. We examine major theoretical perspectives but emphasize the recent explosion of empirical findings on religion and spirituality in childhood and adolescence. Recognizing the centrality of bidirectional relationships between young persons and their context that contribute to religious and spiritual development, we advocate for an understanding of reciprocating spirituality. Within the chapter, we examine how children and adolescents develop in religiousness and spirituality in the context of proximal and more distal relationships. The chapter offers a history of the field, an overview of the demographic landscape of religion and spirituality in the lives of children and adolescents, and presentation of key areas of religiousness and spirituality in younger children and also in adolescents. The chapter also reviews research regarding religion, spirituality, and positive development in children and adolescents and examines the psychological mechanisms by which religion and spirituality may be a resource or detriment to young people. Finally, we offer suggestions for a more integrative science of religious and spiritual development as well as map future directions for the field.