Religiousness and adolescent risk behavior

Abstract

We described four broad and overlapping explanations for why religious adolescents are less likely than non-religious adolescents to engage in risk behavior. First, religions facilitate the development of virtues that thwart risk behavior. Second, religions offer a worldview that provides adherents a sense of meaning, a moral compass, and personal integrity that dissuades adolescents from engaging in risk behavior. Third, religions articulate the (positive) consequences of refraining from risk behavior—consequences delivered by a loving God. Fourth, religions provide a network of peers and adults that provide support, monitor behavior, serve as role models, and reduce opportunities to engage in risk behavior.