The protective effects of religiosity on maladjustment among maltreated and nonmaltreated children

Abstract

Objective-The aim of this study was to investigate the role of child religiosity in the development of maladaptation among maltreated children.Methods-Data were collected on 188 maltreated and 196 nonmaltreated children from low-income families (ages 6-12 years). Children were assessed on religiosity and depressive symptoms, and were evaluated by camp counselors on internalizing symptomatology and externalizing symptomatology.Results-Significant interactions indicated protective effects of religiosity. Child reports of the importance of faith were related to lower levels of internalizing symptomatology among maltreated girls (t = −2.81, p < .05). Child reports of attendance at religious services were associated with lower levels of externalizing symptomatology among nonmaltreated boys (t = 1.94, p = .05).Conclusion-These results suggest that child religiosity may largely contribute to stress coping process among maltreated and nonmaltreated children from low-income families. The results also indicate that the protective roles of religiosity varied by risk status and gender.Practical Implications-The results indicate that a range of child religiosity behaviors and practices can be assessed in translational prevention research. It is recommended that healthcare professionals, psychologists, and social workers working with maltreated children and their families assess for salience of religiosity and may encourage them to consider the role religiosity plays in the development of prevention and intervention programs to alleviate distress and enhance stress coping.

Does adolescents’ religiousness moderate links between harsh parenting and adolescent substance use?

“…First, Wills and colleagues (2003) found that the effects of negative life events (e.g., having a serious illness) on cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana consumption were reduced for adolescents with high religiousness compared to adolescents with low religiousness. Second, Kim (2008) studied a high-risk sample of maltreated and nonmaltreated school-aged children from low-income families and found that religiousness was a protective factor against internalizing symptomatology among maltreated girls. Overall, extant literature suggests that greater levels of religiousness tend to mitigate the negative consequences of trauma and life stressors (e.g., Smith, McCullough, & Poll, 2003), although some specific religious beliefs and practices can intensify distress (e.g., Mahoney, 2013; Pargament, 1997).…”

Influence of religious aspects and personal beliefs on psychological behavior: focus on anxiety disorders

“…This positive impact of R/S on human well-being becomes more obvious among people under stressful circumstances and physical illness 21,22. R/S is therefore considered a major coping factor in difficult or stressful life circumstances 18,23.…”

Parents’ and Children’s Religiosity and Child Behavioral Adjustment Among Maltreated and Nonmaltreated Children

“…In a recent study of religiosity among maltreated and nonmaltreated children, the protective roles of children’s religiosity varied by risk status and gender (Kim, 2008). More specifically, child reports of the importance of faith were related to lower levels of internalizing symptomatology among maltreated girls.…”