Prior research has noted a decline in outward religious expression (e.g., attending religious services) during this developmental period. Religious beliefs during this time period may be quite different from adolescents and older adults. One important aspect of this period is making decisions about religious beliefs and participation ( Arnett, 2002). Similarly, it is a time when individuals often undergo a period of self-exploration in beginning to define and express their identity. The focus during this period is often on self-development, beginning to be self-sufficient and achieving greater independence from parents and other family members ( Arnett, 1998). Given the unique developmental stage of adolescence and emerging adulthood and the fact that most religions across the globe offer teachings that condemn or restrict homosexual behavior, it is particularly important to understand YMSM’s experiences and challenges as they struggle to integrate their sexual identity with their religious/spiritual beliefs.Įmerging adulthood, typically defined as the time between the ages of 18–25, is a developmental period distinct from adolescence in that it is a time of greater independence and a time when young people may explore different life goals and opportunities in school, work, relationships and spiritual and religious beliefs ( Arnett, 2000, 2002).
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While this and other studies have found religiosity to be associated with better mental health and fewer risk behaviors, some research suggests that young men who have sex with men (YMSM) may experience higher levels of stress when attempting to integrate their sexual identity with their religious and/or spiritual beliefs ( de Monteflores, 1993 Gonsiorek, 1995). In fact, the ongoing longitudinal National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR), while contributing a great deal to the knowledge about the role religion plays in adolescent and young adults’ lives, does not include questions related to sexual identity or sexuality, limiting their findings for non-heterosexual adolescents and young adults. However, few studies have explored the intersection between sexuality and religion among adolescents and emerging adults ( Sherkat, 2002). Prior studies of religiosity, which have focused primarily on heterosexual adolescents, found positive associations between higher religiosity and familial support ( Ellison, Boardman, Williams, & Jackson, 2001 Regnerus & Elder, 2003), improved mental health ( Eliassen, Taylor, & Lloyd, 2005 Ellison et al., 2001 Nonnemaker et al., 2003), lower drug use ( Nonnemaker et al., 2003 Steinman & Zimmerman, 2004) and safer sex ( Hardy & Raffaelli, 2003 Nonnemaker et al., 2003 Steinman & Zimmerman, 2004).
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There has been a growing body of research focused on the relationship between religiosity and adolescent health and well-being ( Nonnemaker, McNeely, & Blum, 2003 Werner & Smith, 1992).