Adolescence and Family Relationships: The Role of Religious Education in Conflict Management

Adolescence, which is one of the important periods affecting religious development, has been a period in which the individual's search for identity intensifies, friendship relationships become important, conflicts with the family may occur, academic problems arise, addiction and some social problems may arise. However, processes such as questioning religious beliefs and experiencing social roles help young people to recognize and mature their selves. In this period of intense search for independence and autonomy, religious education may include rules and expectations that may conflict with adolescents' need for autonomy. The aim of this study is to understand the causes of conflicts in adolescence and to explore how religious education can be aligned with adolescents' autonomy needs. It also aims to examine how adolescents' conflicts with their parents affect their religious education and how these experiences are reflected in their religious beliefs and values. In this study, the effects of religious education experiences and family conflicts on the search for autonomy were evaluated by conducting a literature review. In order for religious education to be successful during adolescence, approaches that respect the autonomy and critical thinking needs of young people and take into account their individual characteristics and social environment should be adopted. Acting with this awareness by families and educators will help adolescents develop a healthy identity and belief system and contribute to social peace.