Poster Session 3: Religiosity and Spirituality and the Effects of Families

Presenters: Brandan Wheeler, Joe Wilmoth, Tommy Phillips, Cecilia Brooks

Summary
The current study was guided by the research question: What predicts young adults' religiosity, specifically within the context of a romantic (and financial) relationship? This question was explored using quantitative data from an ongoing research project with 80 participants (average age of 22), most of whom were attending a university in the Southeastern United States, a region known for having high levels of religious activity (i.e., the Bible Belt). Results from the current study suggest demographic, relational, and financial variables predict young adults' religiosity. Specifically, the number of children and reasons for cohabitation were related negatively to their religiosity. However, the level of trust in and commitment to their partner/relationship, financial well-being, and financial anxiety were related positively to their religiosity. Implications are discussed.

Objectives
-- What demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, etc.) predict young adults' level of religiosity?
-- What relational variables (i.e., relationship/sexual satisfaction) predict young adults' level of religiosity?
-- What financial variables (i.e., financial well-being, financial anxiety, financial independence from parents) predict young adults' level of religiosity?

Subject Codes: spirituality, relationship formation, mate selection
Population Codes: emerging/young adulthood, undergraduate students, U.S.
Method and Approach Codes: quantitative methodology, regression: linear (simple, multiple, hierarchical), Family Science