Work

“You Must Know Where You Come From”

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined South African youths' perceptions of religion during a period of social and economic transition. In-depth interviews were conducted with 55 Black South African youth (age 18) living in the Johannesburg-Soweto metropolitan area. Data were analyzed in a manner consistent with grounded theory methodology and structural coding. Beliefs about the function of religion were captured by the following themes: provides support, connection to the past, moral compass, promotes healthy development, and intersections between African traditional practices and Christian beliefs. Themes are discussed and directions for future research are presented. In addition, applications of the current research and implications for promoting youths' resilience are offered.

Source: Journal of Adolescent Research

DOI: 10.1177/0743558413480834

Authors: Aerika S. Brittian, Nina Lewin, Shane A. Norris

Institutions: University of Illinois Chicago, University of the Witwatersrand

Language: English

Topic: Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: South Africa Netherlands research Programme on Alternatives in Development, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health

Awards: G1047550667, Research Training in Child Mental Health/Primary Prevention