EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING, RELIGIOSITY, AND ADOLSCENT INTERNALIZING BEHAVIORS

Abstract

The public health issue of adolescent depression and anxiety in association with religiosity and family dynamics has not been established. This research explored the associations among authoritative parenting, religiosity (i.e. organizational, personal, and family), parent-child connectedness, and internalizing behaviors among adolescents. Data are from 325 adolescents ages 13 to 18 and caregiver dyads participating in the Flourishing Families Project, Wave V. A path model demonstrated that authoritative parenting encouraged connectedness between caregivers and adolescents. Parent-adolescent connectedness was associated with personal and organizational religious incongruencies. Implications for research and practice are discussed.