The Role of Religion and Worship Communities in the Positive Development of Immigrant Youth

Immigrant-origin youth are a rapidly growing sector of the American youth population and come from multiple national origins and religious backgrounds. Religious beliefs, practices, and involvement in religious organizations may serve protective functions as immigrant-origin youth contend with the stresses of adjusting to a new society. In this chapter, we review the literature on the role of religion and religious organizations in the adaptation of immigrant-origin youth. We present data from two studies that provide insights into the significance of religion in their lives. We conclude by offering recommendations for future research in this emerging field.