Intrinsic Religion: The Relationship Between Religious Socialization and Identity Formation in Adolescents of High Tension Religion

Interest in religious socialization and identity formation represents a convergence between developmentalists and sociologists who research religion. A line of inquiry explored by Smith and Sikkink emphasizes the effect of socialization and identity formation on religious outcomes, finding correspondence to Marcia's typology based on commitment and exploration. The Second Wave of the National Study of Youth and Religion was used to test for the effects of parenting styles and youth autonomy on religious outcomes. Measures of parental socialization and youth identity formation were developed from panel study data and tested using ordered logic regression. Youth of high tension religion were found to have a strong religious commitment while parental constraints were found to be insignificantly associated to religious outcomes and parental solidarity showed mixed results. Several directions for future research on parental socialization patterns are recommended.