Adolescents who consider religion to be an important part of their lives may be less likely to smoke cigarettes, drink heavily and use marijuana, according to a study.
Researchers surveyed 1,182 adolescents on four different occasions from 7th grade through 10th grade. The adolescents' drinking, cigarette smoking, marijuana use and perception of religion were tracked.
To determine importance of religion, participants rated basic questions such as "To be able to turn to prayer when you're facing a personal problem" on a scale from "Not at all important" to "Very important."
It was found that adolescents who saw religion as a meaningful part of their life and a way to cope with problems were half as likely to use drugs than adolescents who didn't value religion.
This was particularly true when facing stress, such as having an unemployed parent or suffering from an illness.
Researchers suggest that religion has a "buffering effect" that serves to protect adolescents from the impact of stressful events. The effect was seen across all participating ethnic groups (African-Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians).
Religiosity may offer coping techniques and provide meaning and purpose in life. It may also create more healthy social networks, which makes it less likely that adolescents will turn to drugs, according to researchers.
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 24-31 March 2003
Science Blog April, 2003
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