Participation in church or religious groups and its association with health. Part 2: a qualitative, Canadian study.
As part of a mixed-methods study, this qualitative inquiry determined how adolescent participation in church or religious groups related to their health. We used grounded theory with a phenomenological approach to inquiry. Consistent with the quantitative findings, children (n = 12) involved in religious groups reported lower participation in risk behaviors, higher pro-social behaviors, but poorer levels of emotional well-being and physical health. Findings raise theological and practical questions about the practices and teaching of the church with respect to children's ministry. They suggest an emphasis on teaching about behaviors and morality rather than a more integrative message involving the whole of life.
School of Religion, Theology Hall, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, l7L 2W1, Canada, vmichaelson@sympatico.ca.
Valerie
V
Michaelson
William
W
Pickett
Peter
P
Robinson
Linda
L
Cameron
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult