A Multidimensional Model of Religiosity from Adolescence through the Transition to Adulthood

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Developmental Science

Background:

• Multidimensional models of religiosity are typically cross-sectional, limiting understanding of developmental changes.
• A recent longitudinal model of adolescent religiosity offered new insights into life course changes.
• Assessing religiosity stability across critical developmental periods remains a key research challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and validate a longitudinal, multidimensional model of religiosity in young adults.
• To examine the stability of religiosity dimensions from adolescence through young adulthood.
• To assess the persistence of religiosity indicators across a decade of developmental change.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Study of Youth and Religion.
• Employed a longitudinal research design to track participants over time.
• Applied a modified version of a previously validated five-dimensional adolescent religiosity model.

Main Results:

• Found support for a modified four-dimensional model of religiosity, combining two dimensions of religious practice.
• Observed significant cross-loadings between dimensions, indicating interconnectedness.
• Demonstrated that the four-dimensional model fits well across both adolescence and young adulthood.

Conclusions:

• The proposed four-dimensional model of religiosity is a valid measure of religious constructs.
• These dimensions and their indicators demonstrate persistence across a decade of significant developmental change.
• The findings support the stability of religiosity across the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.