Religion and Immigrant-Origin Youth: A Resource and a Challenge

Abstract

For immigrant-origin groups, the context of religion often promotes bonding, purpose, and community, yet has received scant scholarly attention. This cross-sectional, qualitative study of ethnically and religiously diverse immigrant- origin adolescents and young adults (N = 114) afforded multiple perspectives on the role of religion, and found that religion and religious contexts served as challenges and resources for immigrant-origin youth with respect to: (a) the extent of support amidst the larger U.S. context; (b) heritage and/or liturgical language; and (c) contribution and volunteering. These findings have implications for researchers and providers who serve immigrant-origin youth and their families.