How do religious motivations and behaviors fluctuate in a time of identity exploration? A random-intercept latent transition analysis

Abstract Motivation has been identified as a multidimensional construct that fluctuates over time within-persons in different contexts, but no study to date has examined the temporal stability of religious motivations and behaviors, particularly in a developmental context where people regularly undergo significant religious change. Hence, guided by Organismic Integration Theory, a sub-theory of Self-Determination Theory, we conducted a random-intercept latent transition analysis using two halves of an undergraduate sample ( N = 1368) with four waves spaced six months apart. We identified four profiles (i.e., Fully Internalized , Partially Internalized , Controlled , and Amotivated ) that were qualitatively distinct on behavioral regulations (i.e., identified, introjected, and external) and religious practices (i.e., service attendance, prayer, and scripture reading). Emerging adults who were already practicing were more likely to transition to the adjacent more autonomous profile over time, and the more autonomous profiles reported fewer internalizing symptoms (i.e., anxiety and depression) compared to the more controlled profiles, even if they did not differ on autonomous motivations. These findings shed light on the multidimensionality of motivation patterns and temporal stability in a context that facilitates autonomous exploration of religious values and highlight the need to take controlled motivations into account when investigating the effects of religious behaviors on mental health.