<p>Religiousness and spirituality (R/S) impact children’s health, but there is a lack of in-depth studies on their perceptions of this relationship. This qualitative study performed content analysis of discursive responses from 276 sixth graders (10–11&#xa0;years old) and their parents (<i>N =</i> 233) seeking to investigate beliefs and attitudes toward R/S and how it impacts their lives. All children except one described God positively, mainly as creator/father (71%) and protector/caregiver/guide (56%). When asked “How do religious and spiritual practices help or hinder you?”, only six reported a negative impact. The majority believed that R/S practices aid in the development of skills, such as overcoming challenges, making personal choices, and interacting with others. All but one parent reported that R/S is important and positive for children’s education, especially in nurturing values, character, and a more ethical lifestyle. Understanding how religiosity and spirituality influence individuals’ health and lives has become an important area of scientific research with marked clinical and educational implications. Almost all investigated Brazilian children and their parents reported R/S having a positive impact on children’s lives, providing positive coping strategies.</p>

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The Impact of Religiousness and Spirituality in Childhood: What do Brazilian Children and their Parents Think?

  • Vívian Hagen Antônio Oliveira,
  • Márcia Helena Fávero de Souza,
  • Mary Lynn Dell,
  • Luis Filipe Sarmento Campos,
  • Tamires Aparecida Alves Borges,
  • Alexander Moreira Almeida

摘要

Religiousness and spirituality (R/S) impact children’s health, but there is a lack of in-depth studies on their perceptions of this relationship. This qualitative study performed content analysis of discursive responses from 276 sixth graders (10–11 years old) and their parents (N = 233) seeking to investigate beliefs and attitudes toward R/S and how it impacts their lives. All children except one described God positively, mainly as creator/father (71%) and protector/caregiver/guide (56%). When asked “How do religious and spiritual practices help or hinder you?”, only six reported a negative impact. The majority believed that R/S practices aid in the development of skills, such as overcoming challenges, making personal choices, and interacting with others. All but one parent reported that R/S is important and positive for children’s education, especially in nurturing values, character, and a more ethical lifestyle. Understanding how religiosity and spirituality influence individuals’ health and lives has become an important area of scientific research with marked clinical and educational implications. Almost all investigated Brazilian children and their parents reported R/S having a positive impact on children’s lives, providing positive coping strategies.