Religiosity in adolescence and young adulthood: implications for identity formation

Based on previous correlations between religiosity and descriptions of character traits related to meaning and purpose in life described by Gladding, et al. in 1981, this study hypothesized significant differences in religiosity scores as a function of age. Variables of religious group and gender were also included. Subjects included 147 adolescents and young adults, 70 males and 77 females, largely Caucasian, attending fundamental, moderate, and liberal churches in Central and Northwest Arkansas. A 3 x 3 x 2 analysis of variance yielded significant main effects for age group and religious group but not gender. No interactions were found. Findings suggest relationships between religiosity and identity formation during adolescence.