Religiosity among Indochinese Refugees in Utah

This study reports on religious preferences and activity among Indochinese refugees resettled in Utah between 1975 and 1983. A significant group of these refugees adopted Western Christian religions, the majority affiliating with ethnic congregations. Reasons for change of religion emphasized interpersonal considerations and the need to re-establish social support networks. Refugees tended to rate religion as being important in their lives and reported a relatively high amount of religious participation. The major predictors of participation in religious activities were membership in a Western religion, ethnic origin, importance of religion prior to resettlement, and English-speaking ability on arrival in the United States.