Religiosity as a Protective Factor: Does Affiliation or Frequency Restrict Delinquency

• In Event: Protective and Risk Factors for Delinquency and Drug Use

Abstract

Previous research, such as seen in Jang and Johnson (2003), concluded that measures of religiosity significantly weaken the relationship between strain and negative emotionality among a sample of African-Americans. Using this premise, this study seeks to explore the relationship between religiosity as a protective factor for involvement in delinquency and underage substance use. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1997), religious identification and attendance is assessed to determine if frequency of participation in religious activities results in declines in a variety of delinquent behaviors. Further, analyses are stratified by gender and race/ethnicity, to determine if demographic differences are seen. Future steps and policy implications are discussed.

Author

• Nina Barbieri, University of Houston - Downtown