Measurement of religiosity/spirituality in adolescent health outcomes research: trends and recommendations

J Relig Health. 2010 Dec;49(4):414-44. doi: 10.1007/s10943-010-9324-0.

Abstract

The relationship between religious/spiritual (R/S) factors and adolescent health outcomes has been studied for decades; however, the R/S measurement tools used may not be developmentally relevant for adolescents. A systematic literature review was conducted to review and evaluate trends in measuring R/S in adolescent health outcomes research. In this review a total of 100 articles met criteria for inclusion. Relatively few (n = 15) included adolescent-specific R/S measures or items accounting for developmentally relevant issues such as parental religiosity or age-appropriate language. Future R/S and health research with adolescents would be strengthened by incorporating developmentally relevant R/S measurement tools, psychometrics, and multidimensional measures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Adolescent Health Services / organization & administration
  • Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Depression / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Psychology, Adolescent
  • Religion and Psychology*
  • Self Concept
  • Spirituality