Religiousness and Depressive Symptoms in Five Ethnic Adolescent Groups

Abstract

This study examined the relation between religiousness and depressive symptoms in African American, Asian American, European American, Hispanic American, and Native American adolescents .N D 13,317/ in the United States with selfesteem and school attachment as potential mediators in this link. The data were taken from a nationally represented sample of adolescents in Grades 7 through 12, from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Structural equation analyses with measurement and structural invariance across the five ethnic groups and gender supported the model that religiousness, as a composite of internal and external religiousness items, negatively predicted depressive symptoms 1 year later controlling for baseline depressive symptoms. Self-esteem and school attachment partially mediated this link but only for European American and African American adolescents.

Spirituality and Depressive Symptoms in a School-Based Sample of Adolescents: A Longitudinal Examination of Mediated and Moderated Effects

“…However, little attention has been paid to this link among children and adolescents [7,8]. In recent, nationally representative samples of adolescents, higher levels of religious beliefs and involvement were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms [9,10]. Controlling for demographic variables (i.e., gender, race, grade level, and socioeconomic status), one study found that perceived social support from adolescents' religious community was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms; conversely, perceived criticism and demands from their religious community were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms [11].…”

The Role of Immigrant Churches in the Ethnic Socialization of Korean American Youths

“…Implications of religious involvement for Asian American youths might be different from those for majority American youths due to the religious heterogeneity of Asian immigrants (Le et al, 2007) and the immigrant contexts that shape youth experiences. In general, evidence suggests that religion is important to Asian American youths.…”

“…However, evidence also indicates variation among Asian American youths in regards to religiosity. For example, in a study (Le et al, 2007) that examined the relation between religiousness and adolescent outcomes using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health data, religiousness was shown to be a significant protective factor for depression among European American and African American adolescents but not among Asian Americans. The authors attributed this to the heterogeneity among Asian Americans' religiosity, suggesting the need for more nuanced analyses of subgroups within different ethnic groups.…”

“…Aside from space considerations that precluded the inclusion of all Asian American subgroups, there were several reasons for using Korean Americans as an example. Research has indicated a high level of religious heterogeneity among Asians Americans, suggesting more studies focusing on subgroups (Le, Tov, & Taylor, 2007). Among different immigrant groups, Korean Americans, the fifth largest Asian subgroup in the United States (Pew Research Center, 2013), represent one of the most religious groups, with about 75% of these individuals affiliated with Korean churches (Min, 2010); this suggests the important role of immigrant churches in Korean American youths' lives.…”

Multi‐level risk factors and developmental assets associated with aggressive behavior in disadvantaged adolescents

“…Thus, high religious orientation may serve as a form of social capital that enhances adolescent development. Indeed, researchers have reported that participation in religious activities and a belief in the importance of religion were associated with increased self-esteem (Le, Tov, & Taylor, 2007) and decreased aggression (Hollister-Wagner, Foshee, & Jackson, 2001;Leach, Berman, & Eubanks, 2008). Support from parents represents a positive proximal process in the family microsystem that also serves as an important source of social capital for youth.…”