Are American adolescents any different in their religious orientation than they were a generation or two ago? Religious orientation includes belonging to a specific religion (religious affiliation), attending religious services, religious practices (such as prayer), religiosity (the importance of religion in life), spirituality, donating to religious organizations, and approving of religious organizations. Adolescents’ religious orientation is important for several reasons. Religiosity is associated with a wide range of positive outcomes, including fewer risk behaviors, better social functioning, less substance abuse, and better physical health. Relative to other adolescents, religious adolescents also report less depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric concerns and display character strengths such as fidelity. However, religion can also drive feelings of shame and guilt over certain behaviors and can be a source of struggle and distress.
(Jean M. Twenge et al., "Generational and Time Period Differences in American Adolescents' Religious Orientation, 1966-2014," PLoS ONE 10 [11 May 2015]: 1-17, at 1-2 [endnotes omitted])
Note from KBJ: The authors imply that shame and guilt are bad. It depends on what one feels shame or guilt about. If Sammy has violated the norms of his community, or defiled himself, or disobeyed his god's commands, then shame and guilt are natural, fitting, and useful. No emotion is good or bad simpliciter. Everything depends on the context.
