Religion's influence on self-esteem in at-risk adolescents

Psychology and Theology

The overall role that religion will play on human psychology has been hotly debated over the decades. Where, both proponents and critics will claim that religion can have a positive or negative effect upon the individual when they become older. To determine the underlying effect that this will have someone requires: examining how religion can have an effect on the self-esteem of an individual. This will be accomplished by looking at a study from the article Meaning, Purpose and Religiosity in at Risk Youth. At which point, it will be clear as to the role religion is playing on the self-worth of individuals when they become older.

Over the last several decades, the role of religion and its influence upon young adults has been constantly debated, among psychologists as well as theologists. Where, the underlying influence of religion on the psychology of an adolescent; will play a role in determining the levels of self-esteem that an individual will have. This is significant, because this is the heart of the debate between the two sides. Where, those who are supporters of the religious viewpoint will claim that teaching children the values of right and wrong will reflect upon them in adolescence. At which point, the lessons that they learned and their belief in God will help them to have a more balanced view on life. While, many critics will often claim that those who are saying religion will have a positive influence on the adolescents are: missing the fact that religion has done little if any good for the world. A good example of this view point can be seen with comments from Karl Marx where he said, "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of a spiritless situation. It is the opium of the people. The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness." (Cline, 2010) This is significant, because it shows how the critics believe that religion will have little if any effect upon adolescence. To determine the underlying effect that religion will have upon the psychology of adolescents requires that you examine relevant research on the subject from: the Journal of Psychology and Theology. This will provide the greatest insights, as to the overall role that religion will play in the development of self-esteem.

Summary

To determine the role that religion will play in the development of adolescents; means that we must examine the underlying effect of religion on the different individuals. This is accomplished by conducting a random survey and then comparing the different research results, from the Journal of Psychology and Theology. In the article, Meaning, Purpose and Religiosity in at Risk Youth, researchers were searching for the impact that religion will have on at risks youth. Where, they would analyze the responses of 45 male and female at risk high school students, through a series of interviews. During the process of conducting the interviews, researchers would ask the subjects what their views were on religion such as: their belief in God, the lessons that were taught in the Bible and their overall views of themselves. The results of the sample were: that those students who were exposed to religion and are taught to believe in God; are more than likely to have higher forms of self-esteem when they become an adolescent. This is because, the ideas that are taught in religion (such as: humility and respect for others) has a long-term psychological impact upon the individual. Where, the constant reinforcement of these different ideas would help to instill the importance of being humble. Over the course of time, this changes the personality of the individual, as they will engage in actions that they were taught as a part of their religion. At which point, their overall amounts of self-esteem will be higher, because humility is helping to change the perceptions that someone will have about the world. Where, they will receive joy from helping others, which causes their overall levels of self-esteem to be higher from these selfless acts. (Davis, 2003)

Next, researchers corroborated the results of the study with other relevant facts on the subject. To achieve this objective, they would look at a number of different pieces to confirm the underlying effect. A good example of this is when researchers would study the classic piece of literature on human psychology, Man Search for Meaning. In the book, the author (Viktor Frankel) says, "There is nothing in the world, I venture to say, that would so effectively help one to survive even the worst conditions as the knowledge that there is a meaning in one's life" (Davis, 2003) This is significant, because Frankel is saying that humankind can survive some of the most horrific conditions, if they are given a reason to endure. As a result, one could effectively argue that the research and the subsequent examination of the different pieces of literature confirm the effect that religion will have an adolescent psychology. Where, those who are exposed to religion at an early age will have more of reason to endure the various challenges that they may face. This is significant, because it shows that this belief will give children the power to continue no matter what may be happening in their lives. Therefore, based upon the sample and an examination of the research, the author concludes that religion will have a direct impact upon the self-esteem of the individual. (Davis, 2003)

Conclusion

Clearly, the exposure that a child will have to religion at an early age will play a major role, in determining their overall levels of self-esteem when they become older. What children learn as a part of their religion will lead to higher forms of self-esteem. This is because the constant exposure to the different ideas presented is: teaching them life lessons. Over the course of time this helps them to have a better understanding of how they should most appropriately be interacting with society. Once this takes place there will be a shift in the personality of the individual, where the religious ideas will cause their sense of happiness, to be different in comparison with someone not exposed to religion. Once they become older, the person who was exposed to religion at an early age will have a higher sense of self-worth, as the different lessons have changed their focus on what is most important in life. As a result, they will be more interested in responding to their spiritual needs rather than the physical, giving them a higher sense of self-worth. This is significant, because it shows how religion can have a positive effect on children who are exposed to the different ideas of right and wrong. At which point, the odds increase dramatically that these children will have a higher sense of self-worth when they become adolescents.