Religiosity and Resilience in Adolescence

Jessica Henderson Daniel

Interest in adolescence, a time marked by psychological and physical changes, has generated more than 16 theories to explain the content, meaning, and sequelae of this developmental period (Muuss, 1996). One, Fowler's theory (1981) of faith development, parallels Erikson's (1968) notions about identity crisis, that is, adolescence as a time characterized by numerous questions about identity in relation to faith. Research and theories about resilience abound also. Initially driven by anecdotal data, resilience was thought to characterize the extraordinary person persisting against tremendous odds. However, Masten (2001) asserts that it is “ordinary magic.” The function of religiosity and resilience, the “two Rs,” in the lives of adolescents will be explored simultaneously. Religiosity , the participation in and affiliation with formal religious organizations, and spirituality , a belief system based on a deity or philosophy, have been found to be critical across the life span. In turn, Masten (2001, p. 234) ...

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