Formative Faith: An Exploration of How Spirituality and Religiosity Contribute to Mental Health in Adolescents

This paper analyzes how spirituality and religiosity (S/R) can impact mental health outcomes among adolescents. It begins by defining S/R and investigating factors that influence it. The effects of S/R on adolescent mental development and related psychological perspectives are then explored. This paper further details the positive interrelated outcomes of S/R on adolescent mental health such as fostering empathy, reducing stress and burnout, promoting prosocial behaviors, improving self-adjustment, and decreasing symptoms of depression. Additionally, it addresses negative aspects of S/R among adolescents including faith-related crises and increased anxiety. Those who engage with adolescents are then encouraged to honor the complexities of S/R and provide compassionate S/R-based support. In the process, this paper suggests that a psychotherapy called Internal Family Systems aligns with S/R principles and can fuel adolescent mental health.