Religion
Conclusion
Religion is a multidimensional concept that has often been used simplistically by researchers to show correlations with family life outcomes, even though the theories behind the associations were not always understood. Researchers are increasing their efforts to focus on theories to explain the complex religion-family relationships and to design and use more proximal (core) measures of religiosity as well as to assess the positive and/or negative qualities of religious experiences. While recognizing that religious groups differ in many ways, researchers need to discover more about the processes by which the social, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and behavioral aspects of religion are translated into relationships and behaviors in the family context.
See also: ABORTION; ANABAPTISTS (AMISH, MENNONITE); BUDDHISM; CATHOLICISM; CIRCUMCISION; CONFUCIANISM; DISCIPLINE; DIVORCE: EFFECTS ON CHILDREN; EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANITY; FAMILY MINISTRY; FAMILY VALUES; FICTIVE KINSHIP; FOOD; HEALTH AND FAMILIES; HINDUISM; INFIDELITY; INTERFAITH MARRIAGE; ISLAM; JUDAISM; MARITAL QUALITY; MARRIAGE CEREMONIES; MORMONISM; NONMARITAL CHILDBEARING; PROTESTANTISM; SEXUALITY EDUCATION; SIKHISM
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RUTH CORDLE HATCH
WALTER R. SCHUMM
Additional topics
Marriage and Family EncyclopediaFamily & Marriage TraditionsReligion - Religion And Family Composition, Religion And The Marital Relationship, Parenting And Family Relationships, Prevention And Coping With Special Problems