"EXPLORING TEENAGERS' PERSPECTIVES: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF

ATTITUDES TOWARD PRAYER AND MASS ATTENDANCE IN CONTEMPORARY

SOCIETY"

CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

In this chapter, it presents a concise examination of existing research on teenagers' attitudes

towards Religion, Prayer and Mass Attendance/ Gathering in our modern society. By reviewing relevant

literature and studies, we aim to establish a foundational understanding of the factors influencing

adolescent perspectives on these religious practices. This analysis will inform our quantitative

investigation, providing valuable insights into the dynamics shaping teenagers' views on prayer and mass

attendance.

We live in a world that full of traditions, each of us has our own beliefs, specifically in religious

practices such as prayer and mass attendance, which are important for us to comprehend the dynamics of

faith that can influence the younger generations.

Religion

Religion refers to a broad category encompassing sets of social practices commonly associated

with established belief systems such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism,

and Daoism. It serves as a taxon for organizing various forms of spiritual or cultural traditions that share
common characteristics, rituals, and beliefs. However, the concept of religion has evolved over time and

has been subject to diverse interpretations, leading to debates about its precise definition and scope

(Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2022).

Additionally, throughout history, the idea of religion has changed a lot. At first, people saw

religion as a big category that included different groups like Christians and non-Christians. But over time,

the meaning of religion has shifted. In the twentieth century, there was another change. Religion started to

include not just practices connecting people to spirits, but also to abstract things like "powers" or "forces"

without minds or personalities. This shows how the understanding of religion has grown and adapted over

time.

Based on the study of Alcorta (2016), which emphasize that adolescence as a important stage for

religious development, marked by rites of passage in many societies. This period coincides with

neurophysiological changes that enhance receptivity to religious teachings and rituals. Adolescence is

considered an "experience-expectant" phase for religious transmission, with brain regions associated with

emotions, social interactions, and symbols maturing, facilitating the integration of religious values.

Music-based rituals and emotionally charged elements of religion play significant roles in reinforcing

beliefs during this stage. Moreover, costly rites of passage are viewed as mechanisms for fostering group

commitment and cooperation among adolescents. Religion is shaped by various factors, including

societal norms, family upbringing, and personal experiences. Studies indicate a diverse range of attitudes

among teenagers towards prayer and mass attendance. Some teenagers express strong religious

affiliations, finding comfort and meaning in prayer and regular attendance at religious services. For them,

religion serves as a guiding force, providing moral values and a sense of community. Additionally, the

rise of technology and social media platforms offers alternative sources of connection and identity

formation for some teenagers, potentially diminishing the significance of traditional religious practices in

their lives.
 Religiosity is defined by a deep faith remains a significant aspect of individual lives that

influencing moral character and behavior. According to Bautista (2017) that explores this phenomenon

among Filipino teenagers, he described that since Catholicism is prevalent in the Philippines, these

religious practices offers valuable insights into how faith and spirituality are influence the youths.

Moreover, by considering external factors that influences on religious attitudes among teenagers. Media

and education has an important role in shaping religiosity. The power of media alongside educational

attainment emerges as influential factors in teenagers' religious beliefs and practices. While, the church

serves as a vital institution for socialization in providing spiritual and moral guidance to its members. It

imparts norms of conduct and codes of behavior, reinforcing concepts of right and wrong. Ideas of heaven

and hell motivate individuals towards virtuous actions, illustrating the church's impact on moral

development.

According to the study of Torralba, J., Oviedo, L., & Canteras, M. (2021) in South-East Spain to

investigate coping styles among adolescents (N = 531) and their relationship with various variables. The

findings revealed that religious coping has become less prevalent, correlating positively with age and

often intertwined with secular coping strategies. This suggests a shift towards alternative coping

mechanisms in secularized environments, indicating a diminished reliance on religious means among

teenagers. Research indicates a moderate positive association between religious attendance or

participation and reduced anxiety in middle adolescence. In societies where religious invocation is

frequent, religious practices are considered appropriate and acceptable coping strategies for various social

segments. This suggests that religious engagement can serve as a beneficial tool for anxiety reduction

among teenagers, especially when embedded within societal norms. Standard studies on religious beliefs

in coping highlight its association with indicators of health, well-being, self-esteem, and personal

satisfaction. Positive religious adaptation has been linked to improved psychological adjustment, reduced

anxiety, and higher life quality, particularly among individuals dealing with chronic illnesses or trauma.
Religion emerges as a factor promoting self-control, goal setting, attention regulation, and competence in

self-regulating behaviors, contributing to overall psychological well-being.

Based on the investigation of Holmes and Kim-Spoon (2015), looked at how being religious is

linked to teens' behavior. They found that how much a teen cares about being religious can either help or

hurt their health habits. If a teen feels really connected to their religion, they're more likely to do things

that are good for their health and less likely to do risky stuff. But if they feel like they're forced into being

religious, they might end up doing riskier things and not taking care of their health as much. This shows

that it's not just about being religious, but how much it really means to a person. The study also showed

that how well a teen control their selves, called self-regulation and it has a big role. Those teenagers who

are good at controlling themselves tend to have healthier habits, and being religious can help with that. It's

like religion can help teens be better at sticking to good habits and staying away from bad ones. So, being

religious might not directly affects health behaviors, but it can help teens control themselves better, which

then affects their health habits. Another important thing the study talked about is that not all kinds of

religious feelings are the same. Some teenagers might feel really connected to their religion because it

means a lot to them personally. Others might just feel like they have to be religious because of family or

pressure from others. The study found that these different feelings about religion can lead to different

health behaviors. The teens that really care about their religion for personal reasons tend to have healthier

habits, while those who feel forced into it might not.

As stated by Louca (2016), the concept of spiritual development in children and adolescents,

suggesting that thoughts about God or spiritual themes are natural parts of human development. Even

children from non-religious backgrounds tend to ask spiritual questions. Kohlberg and Elkind proposed

stages of moral and faith development respectively, emphasizing children's capacity for moral judgment

and faith formation. Similarly, Thompson, Randall, and Fowler proposed stages of faith development,

highlighting children's progression in this aspect. Carl Rogers emphasized the importance of warmth,

empathy, and positive regard in fostering children's potential. Erik Erikson underscored the role of
religion and spirituality in development, linking successful resolution of developmental stages with

virtues like hope and faith. Recent research challenges previous views of children as developmentally

immature in spiritual matters, recognizing their innate capacity for spirituality and desire to understand

the divine.

While literature often focuses on children's spiritual development, less attention is given to

teenagers' perspectives on religion. However, the evidence and observations suggest that teenagers

engage with religion in various ways. Some adolescents express a deep commitment to their faith,

participating actively in religious practices such as prayer and mass attendance. Others may question or

even reject traditional religious beliefs, seeking alternative spiritual paths or adopting secular worldviews.

Factors such as family upbringing, peer influence, and societal norms shape teenagers' attitudes toward

religion. Understanding teenagers' perspectives on religion is crucial for addressing their spiritual needs

and promoting healthy development in contemporary society (Louca, 2016).

Prayers

Based on Merriam Webster Dictionary, prayer is an address such as a petition to God or a god in

word or thought. However, according to Thomas (2022), by defining “prayer”, it as a communication

with God. The researcher emphasizes that prayer as both speaking to and listening to God is highlighting

its role as an act of obedience and dependence on a higher power. For believers, prayer serves as a

treasured privilege, fostering a deeper connection with their Creator. Importantly, prayer is depicted as

integral to one's spiritual journey, irrespective of religious affiliations. Teenagers used to prayer reflect a

diverse range of attitudes and beliefs shaped by various factors, including religious upbringing, personal

experiences, and societal influences.

 According to the website of World youth sunday (2023), it described that in the lives of teenager

believers, prayer serves as a way to connect with the divine, shaping their faith, and fostering a personal

relationship with God. Prayer ignites an inner dialogue, helping youth make sense of God's purpose for

their lives and reinforcing Christian values.. Regular prayer cultivates discipline, guiding not only

spiritual growth but also influencing academic success, relationships, and personal goals. Teenagers who

engage in consistent prayer develop spiritual depth, empowering them to face life's trials with wisdom

and resilience. Beyond religious settings, prayer offers emotional support and serves as a safe space for

youth to express their innermost emotions, easing the pressures of academic and personal challenges.

Through prayer, young people find strength, guidance, and solace as they navigate the complexities of

adolescence and young adulthood.

While, according to Jeynes (2020) that conducted a meta-analysis investigation on the correlation

between student prayer and academic as well as behavioral outcomes in urban schools. The study

encompassed 13 research works and employed rigorous controls such as socioeconomic status, race, and

gender. Results from both controlled and uncontrolled analyses indicated a positive association between

prayer and student outcomes. Furthermore, the effects were amplified in studies of higher quality,

suggesting a robust relationship between prayer and positive student outcomes. The literature primarily

focuses on the outcomes associated with prayer, fewer studies directly probe into teenagers' attitudes

towards prayer. However, anecdotal evidence suggests a diverse range of perspectives. Some teenagers

view prayer as a source of comfort, guidance, and connection with a higher power, while others may

perceive it as antiquated or irrelevant to their lives. Factors such as family upbringing, religious

community involvement, and personal experiences shape these perspectives.

In other literature, states that the religious practices of American teenagers, it's evident that

while many adolescents participate in prayer and attend worship services occasionally, a significant

portion, around four-in-ten, seldom or never engage in these practices. Moreover, the frequency of prayer

and attendance is closely linked to the religious practices of their parents, with teens being less likely than
their responding parents to pray regularly. The influence of parental behavior on teen attendance is

noteworthy, as teens often find themselves attending services either out of personal desire or due to

parental expectations. The religious landscape extends beyond mere attendance and prayer, with various

other activities playing a role in shaping teens' faith experiences. Participation in religious youth groups

and educational programs is common, although it varies across different Christian subgroups and tends to

decrease as adolescents age. Despite these variations, a majority of U.S. teens report occasional religious

or spiritual experiences, such as feelings of deep spiritual peace, gratitude, or thankfulness. However, it's

worth noting that religiously unaffiliated adolescents are somewhat less likely to report such experiences

compared to their religiously affiliated counterparts (Mitchell, 2021).

Based on the Investigation of University of Notre Dame in America, a significant 80% of

teenagers actively engage in prayer, as revealed by the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent

Health. Among them, 40% adhere to a daily practice, demonstrating a consistent and regular spiritual

connection. An additional 22% participate in prayer on a weekly basis, reflecting a substantial portion of

youths who prioritize spiritual engagement. Conversely, 9% pray only monthly or less frequently,

indicating diverse levels of involvement in religious practices. It's worth noting that the reported 20%

who seemingly never pray may underestimate actual prayer engagement, as some respondents,

particularly those not affiliated with a religious tradition, might still engage in prayer but were not

captured in the survey's analysis. This result reveals that the variations in prayer frequency are evident

across different religious affiliations, with more conservative and sectarian traditions exhibiting higher

prayer rates.

Prayers are essential for teenagers to understand how it affects their feelings and thoughts or

potentially impact on their emotional well-being and cognitive development. As stated on the study of

McCulloch and Parks-Stamm's (2020), it illuminates that engaging in prayer expands the psychological

horizons of individuals, fostering a deeper acceptance of personal challenges. This suggests that teenagers

who incorporate prayer into their lives may cultivate a broader outlook, which could significantly bolster
their emotional resilience and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, prayer instills a profound sense of

connection to the eternal, nurturing a perspective that extends beyond immediate concerns. This notion

resonates with the concept that prayer activates higher-level construal, enabling teenagers to perceive

their trials from a more expansive viewpoint. Consequently, prayer emerges as a potent tool for teenagers

to navigate their emotions with greater efficacy, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being.

The attitude of teenagers towards prayer and mass attendance is crucial. This review synthesizes

recent literature, particularly focusing on the cultural psychology of religiosity, spirituality, and

secularism among adolescents. As described by the study of Jensen (2021) which emphasizes the

significance of cultural diversity in understanding adolescents' development of religiosity, spirituality, and

secularism. Moreover, recent trends indicate an increase in spirituality alongside secularism among

adolescents. This suggests a dynamic landscape where traditional religious practices coexist with more

individualized spiritual beliefs. Also, the globalization effect prompts a reevaluation of the relationship

between religion and culture, especially concerning adolescents' attitudes towards prayer and mass

attendance.

Mass attendance/ gathering

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mass attendance or mass gatherings is

require careful planning and coordination to keep participants safe. WHO defines mass gatherings as

events where the number of attendees could overwhelm the planning and response resources of the

hosting community or country. Examples like the Olympic Games and The Hajj show how large and

complex these gatherings can be. Additionally, WHO emphasizes the strain on health systems during

mass gatherings, highlighting the need for thorough preparation to minimize risks and respond swiftly to
emergencies. This aligns with the findings of Anssi Koski et al. (2020), which stress the importance of

multi-authority preparedness to manage risks and ensure quick responses during mass gatherings.

As a tradition of beliefs in church, a mass gathering refers to a planned congregation of a large

number of individuals within a religious context, typically held in a church or place of worship. These

gatherings serve as communal events where believers come together to participate in religious rituals,

ceremonies, and worship practices, often led by clergy or religious leaders. The data from the Center for

Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University provides insights into mass

attendance trends, particularly in countries with large Catholic populations. According to the data, Nigeria

emerges as the leader in mass attendance, with a remarkable 94% of self-identified Catholics attending

Mass weekly or more. This statistic is notable given the challenges faced by Nigerian Catholics, including

violent attacks on churches. These observations highlight the complex interplay between religious

practice, economic development, and cultural context specifically in Mass Attendance / Gathering activity

(McKeown, 2024).

In other literature, Mass attendance is a communal religious practice that also warrants attention

in understanding teenagers' perspectives on religion. The studies exploring this aspect often highlight the

influence of family dynamics, peer relationships, and personal beliefs. While some teenagers find solace

and community in attending mass, others may perceive it as tedious or unimportant. Factors like the

relevance of religious teachings, the quality of worship experience, and social interactions within the

religious community influence teenagers' engagement with mass attendance (Torralba et al., 2021).

As stated by Beckwith et al. (2023) study which aimed to enhance health and safety outcomes for

young individuals attending Mass Gathering Events (MGEs) by examining psychosocial factors

influencing behavior. The study identified prevalent psychosocial outcomes among youth at MGEs, such

as social connection, substance use, risky behaviors, and psychological distress. It emphasize the factors

like social influence and psychological stressors contributed to behaviors like excessive alcohol
consumption, drug use, risky sex, and overall risk-taking tendencies among youth attendees. Effective

interventions highlighted in the review included alcohol-free zones, anti-drinking campaigns,

psychoeducation, and parental disapproval of alcohol consumption, showing promise in reducing harm.

The findings reveal the significance of psychosocial interventions in mitigating risks and promoting well-

being among young MGE attendees.

Based on the findings of Hopkins and Reicher (2020), it's evident that mass gatherings offer

significant benefits beyond just physical health considerations. The positive impacts on psychological

well-being, including social integration and empowerment, highlight the potential value of these events

for teenagers. Participation in mass gatherings could provide teenagers with opportunities to develop a

sense of belonging, self-esteem, and social connection, which are crucial aspects of their development and

well-being. Furthermore, Kearns et al. (2017) and Pelletier (2018) emphasize the role of mass gatherings

in managing trauma, such as coping with suicide or terrorist attacks. For teenagers, who may face various

challenges and stresses during their formative years, the support and solidarity provided by participating

in such events could be particularly beneficial. These findings suggest that mass gatherings may serve as

important outlets for teenagers to find comfort, support, and a sense of community during difficult times.

Through understanding how teenagers perceive and engage with mass gatherings, particularly in religious

or commemorative contexts, becomes essential in light of these findings. Exploring teenagers'

perspectives on mass attendance and prayer could provide valuable insights into how these events

contribute to their well-being and social integration. Additionally, it could inform strategies to promote

positive experiences and ensure that teenagers can fully benefit from the potential advantages that mass

gatherings offer.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

(FIGURE 1)

The conceptual framework encompasses various factors influencing teenagers' attitudes toward

prayer and mass attendance. In the framework provided, religion forms the overarching belief system that

influences teenagers' attitudes toward prayer and mass attendance. At its core are four independent

variables included (Family Influence, Peer Influence, Cultural Factors, and Technological Influence)

represent specific factors or influences within the broader context of religion.

 Family Influence reflects the impact of parental beliefs and practices on teenagers' perspectives

regarding religious activities. Peer Influence considers the role of peer interactions and social dynamics in

shaping teenagers' attitudes toward prayer and mass attendance. Cultural Factors encompass societal

norms, values, and expectations related to religion, influencing teenagers' perceptions of these practices.

Technological Influence addresses the influence of modern technology and its integration into daily life

on teenagers' engagement with religious activities. These independent variables collectively influence

two dependent variables: Teenagers' Attitudes toward Prayer and Teenagers' Attitudes toward Mass

Attendance. The relationships depicted in the conceptual framework illustrate the interplay between

these factors, providing a structured approach to understanding teenagers' perspectives on prayer and

mass attendance in contemporary society.

Research Paradigm

INPUT: PROCESS: OUTPUT:

a) Survey Design A QUANTITATIVE

These factors shape and Data
teenagers' attitudes Collection: ANALYSIS OF
towards prayer and Comprehensive
mass attendance survey ATTITUDES
development and
a) Family TOWARD
data collection
Influences among teenagers
aged 13 to 20. TEENAGERS'
b) Peer
Influences PERSPECTIVES ON
b) Quantitative
Analysis: PRAYER AND MASS
c) Cultural Analyzing survey
Factors responses to ATTENDANCE IN
identify patterns
d) and and trends related CONTEMPORARY
Technological to teenagers'
perspectives SOCIETY"
Influences
 The research paradigm focuses on understanding teenagers' attitudes towards prayer and mass

attendance. It considers various influences such as family, peers, culture, and technology. Through a

structured process of survey design, data collection, and quantitative analysis, the research aims to assess

teenagers' engagement, explore the impact of prayer and mass attendance, identify influencing factors,

and provide actionable recommendations. This concise approach enables a comprehensive exploration of

teenagers' perspectives within modern societal contexts.

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