Longitudinal changes in religiosity among emerging adult college students

TM Stoppa, ES Lefkowitz - Journal of research on adolescence, 2010 - Wiley Online Library
TM Stoppa, ES Lefkowitz
Journal of research on adolescence, 2010Wiley Online Library
Issues of religion are important aspects of the identity process, which for many emerging
adults may be intensified by the college experience. This study investigated longitudinal
changes in the religiosity of 434 emerging adult college students (52% female) of diverse
ethnic backgrounds (32% African American, 29% Latino American, and 39% European
American) during the first 3 semesters of university. Results suggest that changes occur
throughout this period, but that such changes are not monolithic across dimensions of …
Issues of religion are important aspects of the identity process, which for many emerging adults may be intensified by the college experience. This study investigated longitudinal changes in the religiosity of 434 emerging adult college students (52% female) of diverse ethnic backgrounds (32% African American, 29% Latino American, and 39% European American) during the first 3 semesters of university. Results suggest that changes occur throughout this period, but that such changes are not monolithic across dimensions of religiosity. In the aggregate, significant declines in the behavioral aspects of religiosity were observed across semesters. In contrast, importance of religious beliefs remained relatively constant during this time. However, variations in these patterns were observed when considered at the individual level. Findings further demonstrate that heterogeneity in religiosity is also evident based upon gender and religious affiliation, suggesting that it is fruitful to consider the unique ways in which individuals change during this developmental period.
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