Jon describes his experience with religion throughout his adolescent years. Several studies have ...

Case 2

The Struggle of a Lifetime

Key Themes: Peers, Religion/Spirituality, Sexuality

1.    Jon describes his experience with religion throughout his adolescent years. Several studies have indicated a decline in the importance of religion as one goes through adolescence. Using at least two empirical studies, compare Jon’s experience to his peers. How are they similar? How are they different?


2.    Throughout adolescence reference groups perform as a means for other adolescents to identify which of their peers share similar interests, values, and beliefs. How does Jon feel his peers classified him? Jon had animosity towards being classified and sought out an individual identity to please himself vs. others. What internal questions did Jon feel he needed to answer in order to develop an identity?