Religiosity’s Links to Adolescent Wellbeing and the Role of Supportive Networks and Sex

Abstract

Research has extensively examined religiosity’s links to youth wellbeing, but it is unclear how the relationship may vary by supportive networks and sex. Analyzing data from the 2015 to 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the results showed that religious salience was negatively associated with the risk of having a past-year major depressive episode (MDE, OR = 0.65), a substance use disorder (OR = 0.77), and delinquency (OR = 0.94). Supportive networks also indicated similar associations. Furthermore, supportive networks and sex appeared to moderate religious salience’s links to having an MDE and delinquency in some aspects. The study concludes that religious salience appears to be a protective factor for adolescents’ mental and behavioral wellbeing, though some of its impact may vary by sex and supportive networks. The findings advance the understanding of religiosity’s role in adolescents’ wellbeing and suggest considering tailored plans for optimized outcomes.

Keywords

adolescent religiosity mental health and behavioral wellbeing social networks moderating effect

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