Religion, Spirituality, and Youth Thriving: Investigating the Roles of the Developing Mind and Meaning-Making

Abstract

In this chapter, we draw on positive developmental psychology, psychology of religion and spirituality, and developmental neuroscience to explore how youth religiousness and spirituality contribute to thriving through the process of meaning-making. Thriving involves the individual, relational, and aspirational development necessary to pursue a life purpose that is meaningful to the self and one’s surroundings. Meaning-making is the process of constructing and internalizing abstract beliefs (about oneself, the world, and one’s priorities) into salient values that contribute to the moral development necessary to thrive. When youth consider abstract ideas in the context of their actions, transcendent emotions, and the broader world, then their meaning-making can result in values-based goals and behaviors. Adolescents are naturally motivated to explore identity-related issues of meaning, values, roles, and belonging. In particular, meaning-making occurs when youth are given the opportunity to reflect in an enriching dialogue with caring adults. In more ways than most youth contexts, religion and spirituality provide young people with opportunities to seek and form meaning by being prompted to process transcendent beliefs and emotions through the narratives, intergenerational relationships, and transcendent experiences that religion and spirituality often provide.