Investigating the associations between parents' faith socialization practices and young adults' character formation

Purpose The purpose of the present study is to explore the ways in which parents' engagement of their children in religious practices may be positively associated with their children's character development. Design/methodology/approach We administered surveys to young adults (n = 343) that included self-report character measures (e.g. curiosity, gratitude and social responsibility) and parenting measures (e.g. perceived faith support from parents and parent open communication). Findings Ordinary least squares regression analyses indicated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association between participants' self-reported character strengths and their parents' faith socialization practices for three of the tested character measures: social responsibility, purpose and gratitude. Research limitations/implications One important limitation of the present study is that its research design cannot identify causal relationships between faith socialization and young adults' character strengths. Practical implications The present study offers support (albeit preliminary) for the value of parents engaging their children in religious learning, practices and traditions. Social implications There has been a steady decline over the past 50 years in the number of families in the USA participating in religious institutions and practices. Findings from the present study offer support for families and institutions in the USA to do what they can to reverse this trend. Originality/value The present study is notable in being one of the few to date to consider the relation between parent faith socialization and young people's character strengths and consider these findings through philosophical, theological and psychological lenses.