RELIGIOSITY IN ADOLESCENCE AND YOUNG ADULTHOOD - IMPLICATIONS FOR IDENTITY FORMATION

Based on previous correlations between religiosity and descriptions of character traits related to meaning and purpose in life described by Gladding, et al. in 1981, this study hypothesized significant differen ces in religiosity scores as a function of age. Variables of religious group and gender were also included. Subjects included 147 adolescent s and young adults, 70 males and 77 females, largely Caucasian, attend ing fundamental, moderate, and liberal churches in Central and Northwe st Arkansas. A 3 x 3 x 2 analysis of variance yielded significant main effects for age group and religious group but not gender. No interact ions mere found. Findings suggest relationships between religiosity an d identity formation during adolescence.