P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .

Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

In this chapter, it presents a concise examination of existing research on teenagers' attitudes

towards Religion, Prayer and Mass Attendance/ Gathering in our modern society. By reviewing relevant
literature and studies, we aim to establish a foundational understanding of the factors influencing
adolescent perspectives on these religious practices. This analysis will inform our quantitative
investigation, providing valuable insights into the dynamics shaping teenagers' views on prayer and mass
attendance.

We live in a world that full of traditions, each of us has our own beliefs, specifically in religious
practices such as prayer and mass attendance, which are important for us to comprehend the dynamics of
faith that can influence the younger generations.

Religion

Religion refers to a broad category encompassing sets of social practices commonly associated
with established belief systems such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism,
and Daoism. It serves as a taxon for organizing various forms of spiritual or cultural traditions that share
common characteristics, rituals, and beliefs. However, the concept of religion has evolved over time and
has been subject to diverse interpretations, leading to debates about its precise definition and scope
(Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2022).

Additionally, throughout history, the idea of religion has changed a lot. At first, people saw
religion as a big category that included different groups like Christians and non-Christians. But over time,
the meaning of religion has shifted. In the twentieth century, there was another change. Religion started to
include not just practices connecting people to spirits, but also to abstract things like "powers" or "forces"
without minds or personalities. This shows how the understanding of religion has grown and adapted over
time.

Based on the study of Alcorta (2016), which emphasize that adolescence as a important stage for
religious development, marked by rites of passage in many societies. This period coincides with
neurophysiological changes that enhance receptivity to religious teachings and rituals. Adolescence is
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

considered an "experience-expectant" phase for religious transmission, with brain regions associated with
emotions, social interactions, and symbols maturing, facilitating the integration of religious values.
Music-based rituals and emotionally charged elements of religion play significant roles in reinforcing
beliefs during this stage. Moreover, costly rites of passage are viewed as mechanisms for fostering group
commitment and cooperation among adolescents. Religion is shaped by various factors, including
societal norms, family upbringing, and personal experiences. Studies indicate a diverse range of attitudes
among teenagers towards prayer and mass attendance. Some teenagers express strong religious
affiliations, finding comfort and meaning in prayer and regular attendance at religious services. For them,
religion serves as a guiding force, providing moral values and a sense of community. Additionally, the
rise of technology and social media platforms offers alternative sources of connection and identity
formation for some teenagers, potentially diminishing the significance of traditional religious practices in
their lives.

Religiosity is defined by a deep faith remains a significant aspect of individual lives that
influencing moral character and behavior. According to Bautista (2017) that explores this phenomenon
among Filipino teenagers, he described that since Catholicism is prevalent in the Philippines, these
religious practices offers valuable insights into how faith and spirituality are influence the youths.
Moreover, by considering external factors that influences on religious attitudes among teenagers. Media
and education has an important role in shaping religiosity. The power of media alongside educational
attainment emerges as influential factors in teenagers' religious beliefs and practices. While, the church
serves as a vital institution for socialization in providing spiritual and moral guidance to its members. It
imparts norms of conduct and codes of behavior, reinforcing concepts of right and wrong. Ideas of heaven
and hell motivate individuals towards virtuous actions, illustrating the church's impact on moral
development.

According to Cornelio and Aldama (2020) reveals that despite the longstanding influence of
Catholicism in Philippine society, a growing tapestry of religious beliefs now colors its social and
political landscape. This mosaic primarily comprises various Christian denominations, including
evangelical, independent, and nontrinitarian churches dispersed across the nation. Can covenantal
pluralism thrive amidst this diversity? This article delves into Filipino Christians' perspectives on religion
and pluralism, drawing from the 2018 ISSP Religion module for analysis. The overarching contention is
that Filipino Christians exhibit a spectrum of beliefs regarding coexistence. This assertion is supported by
two key observations. Firstly, Catholics perceive religion as a source of conflict and tend to view
religious individuals as more intolerant compared to members of other denominations. Conversely,
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

Protestants/Evangelicals and Nontrinitarians are more inclined to see religious practice as fostering
friendships.These differing outlooks present both challenges and opportunities for covenantal pluralism in
the Philippines. The article concludes by contemplating covenantal pluralism as a relational imperative in
a society where emerging religious minorities wield increasing influence and competitiveness.

Based on Baring et, al. (2018), tn the past five decades, scholarly interest in religious constructs
has grown substantially, prompting a need for empirical validation rooted in local contexts to understand
religion's multifaceted nature across cultures. Traditionally, spirituality and religiosity have been central
to defining religion. However, contemporary studies suggest a shift towards a more nuanced and
adaptable interpretation of these dimensions. In this study, we aimed to develop and evaluate a scale
measuring students' attitudes towards religion. Drawing data from 2733 college students across two
provincial universities in the Philippines, we employed data reduction techniques to discern the
underlying factor structure of these attitudes. The analysis revealed a three-factor structure in students'
attitudes towards religion, offering insights into the complexities of religious perspectives among college
students in the Philippines. These findings underscore the significance of acknowledging cultural nuances
in comprehending religious phenomena.

According to the study of Torralba, J., Oviedo, L., & Canteras, M. (2021) in South-East Spain to
investigate coping styles among adolescents (N = 531) and their relationship with various variables. The
findings revealed that religious coping has become less prevalent, correlating positively with age and
often intertwined with secular coping strategies. This suggests a shift towards alternative coping
mechanisms in secularized environments, indicating a diminished reliance on religious means among
teenagers. Research indicates a moderate positive association between religious attendance or
participation and reduced anxiety in middle adolescence. In societies where religious invocation is
frequent, religious practices are considered appropriate and acceptable coping strategies for various social
segments. This suggests that religious engagement can serve as a beneficial tool for anxiety reduction
among teenagers, especially when embedded within societal norms. Standard studies on religious beliefs
in coping highlight its association with indicators of health, well-being, self-esteem, and personal
satisfaction. Positive religious adaptation has been linked to improved psychological adjustment, reduced
anxiety, and higher life quality, particularly among individuals dealing with chronic illnesses or trauma.
Religion emerges as a factor promoting self-control, goal setting, attention regulation, and competence in
self-regulating behaviors, contributing to overall psychological well-being.
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

Based on the investigation of Holmes and Kim-Spoon (2015), looked at how being religious is
linked to teens' behavior. They found that how much a teen cares about being religious can either help or
hurt their health habits. If a teen feels really connected to their religion, they're more likely to do things
that are good for their health and less likely to do risky stuff. But if they feel like they're forced into being
religious, they might end up doing riskier things and not taking care of their health as much. This shows
that it's not just about being religious, but how much it really means to a person. The study also showed
that how well a teen control their selves, called self-regulation and it has a big role. Those teenagers who
are good at controlling themselves tend to have healthier habits, and being religious can help with that. It's
like religion can help teens be better at sticking to good habits and staying away from bad ones. So, being
religious might not directly affects health behaviors, but it can help teens control themselves better, which
then affects their health habits. Another important thing the study talked about is that not all kinds of
religious feelings are the same. Some teenagers might feel really connected to their religion because it
means a lot to them personally. Others might just feel like they have to be religious because of family or
pressure from others. The study found that these different feelings about religion can lead to different
health behaviors. The teens that really care about their religion for personal reasons tend to have healthier
habits, while those who feel forced into it might not.

As stated by Louca (2016), the concept of spiritual development in children and adolescents,
suggesting that thoughts about God or spiritual themes are natural parts of human development. Even
children from non-religious backgrounds tend to ask spiritual questions. Kohlberg and Elkind proposed
stages of moral and faith development respectively, emphasizing children's capacity for moral judgment
and faith formation. Similarly, Thompson, Randall, and Fowler proposed stages of faith development,
highlighting children's progression in this aspect. Carl Rogers emphasized the importance of warmth,
empathy, and positive regard in fostering children's potential. Erik Erikson underscored the role of
religion and spirituality in development, linking successful resolution of developmental stages with
virtues like hope and faith. Recent research challenges previous views of children as developmentally
immature in spiritual matters, recognizing their innate capacity for spirituality and desire to understand
the divine.

While literature often focuses on children's spiritual development, less attention is given to
teenagers' perspectives on religion. However, the evidence and observations suggest that teenagers
engage with religion in various ways. Some adolescents express a deep commitment to their faith,
participating actively in religious practices such as prayer and mass attendance. Others may question or
even reject traditional religious beliefs, seeking alternative spiritual paths or adopting secular worldviews.
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

Factors such as family upbringing, peer influence, and societal norms shape teenagers' attitudes toward
religion. Understanding teenagers' perspectives on religion is crucial for addressing their spiritual needs
and promoting healthy development in contemporary society (Louca, 2016).

According to the study of Macaranas (2021) that advocates for acknowledging and valuing
Filipino folk religiosity as integral to nurturing genuine expressions of faith within Filipino culture. It
delves into historical, anthropological, sociocultural, and theological perspectives on various significant
folk religious groups, traditions, and practices in the Philippines, such as millenarian movements and
popular Catholic feasts. Additionally the diverse influences shaping Philippine culture, Filipino folk
religiosity is characterized as a fusion of pre-colonial beliefs with Catholicism. Drawing from academic
and personal Catholic perspectives, the researcher explores the role of folk religious elements in
millenarian movements, the distinct expressions of faith evident in folk Catholic celebrations, and the
deeper significance of everyday religious practices. In conclusion, the paper asserts that millenarian
movements serve as valid expressions of faith intertwined with celebrations of independence and Filipino
identity. It stresses the importance of traditional festivals and religious rites as unique avenues for
authentic religious expression among locals. Moreover, it suggests that preserving folk religions and
religiosity within Catholicism fosters the growth of the faithful and the evolution of religious
understanding.

However, as stated by Del Castillo (2022), Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in the
Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, are witnessing a surge in participation, notably led by Filipino
Catholic women. Despite this, scant attention has been given to understanding their religious experiences.
This study aims to delve into the servant leadership of these women, known as "bai," within BECs,
shedding light on their crucial contributions to both the Church and society, particularly in fostering
synodality and transformation. Using laylayan theology as a framework and empirical phenomenology as
a method, this research highlights BECs as a theological focal point, amplifying the voices of
marginalized bai. It reveals that these women perceive their Catholic faith as both personal and
communal, emphasizing the Church's role in engaging with the missio Dei and facilitating social change.
They advocate for fostering community communion, youth evangelization, and sacramental attitudes to
keep the Church relevant to contemporary challenges.

Scholars have recognized the significance of BECs within the Philippine Catholic Church, noting
their role in revitalizing community life. BECs are seen as embodiments of Christ's mission, promoting
evangelization and community building. Furthermore, they offer avenues for parishioner participation,
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

particularly for women, enabling them to explore their identities and missions within the Church. In
Mindanao, Catholic laywomen have assumed active roles in leading BECs, contributing dynamically to
the Church's vitality and mission. This study underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting
the agency of women within BECs as integral to the Church's ongoing journey towards synodality and
societal transformation.

Prayers

Based on Merriam Webster Dictionary, prayer is an address such as a petition to God or a

god in word or thought. However, according to Thomas (2022), by defining “prayer”, it as a
communication with God. The researcher emphasizes that prayer as both speaking to and listening to God
is highlighting its role as an act of obedience and dependence on a higher power. For believers, prayer
serves as a treasured privilege, fostering a deeper connection with their Creator. Importantly, prayer is
depicted as integral to one's spiritual journey, irrespective of religious affiliations. Teenagers used to
prayer reflect a diverse range of attitudes and beliefs shaped by various factors, including religious
upbringing, personal experiences, and societal influences.

According to the website of World youth sunday (2023), it described that in the lives of
teenager believers, prayer serves as a way to connect with the divine, shaping their faith, and fostering a
personal relationship with God. Prayer ignites an inner dialogue, helping youth make sense of God's
purpose for their lives and reinforcing Christian values.. Regular prayer cultivates discipline, guiding not
only spiritual growth but also influencing academic success, relationships, and personal goals. Teenagers
who engage in consistent prayer develop spiritual depth, empowering them to face life's trials with
wisdom and resilience. Beyond religious settings, prayer offers emotional support and serves as a safe
space for youth to express their innermost emotions, easing the pressures of academic and personal
challenges. Through prayer, young people find strength, guidance, and solace as they navigate the
complexities of adolescence and young adulthood.

While, according to Jeynes (2020) that conducted a meta-analysis investigation on the

correlation between student prayer and academic as well as behavioral outcomes in urban schools. The
study encompassed 13 research works and employed rigorous controls such as socioeconomic status,
race, and gender. Results from both controlled and uncontrolled analyses indicated a positive association
between prayer and student outcomes. Furthermore, the effects were amplified in studies of higher
quality, suggesting a robust relationship between prayer and positive student outcomes. The literature
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

primarily focuses on the outcomes associated with prayer, fewer studies directly probe into teenagers'
attitudes towards prayer. However, anecdotal evidence suggests a diverse range of perspectives. Some
teenagers view prayer as a source of comfort, guidance, and connection with a higher power, while others
may perceive it as antiquated or irrelevant to their lives. Factors such as family upbringing, religious
community involvement, and personal experiences shape these perspectives.

In other literature, states that the religious practices of American teenagers, it's evident that
while many adolescents participate in prayer and attend worship services occasionally, a significant
portion, around four-in-ten, seldom or never engage in these practices. Moreover, the frequency of prayer
and attendance is closely linked to the religious practices of their parents, with teens being less likely than
their responding parents to pray regularly. The influence of parental behavior on teen attendance is
noteworthy, as teens often find themselves attending services either out of personal desire or due to
parental expectations. The religious landscape extends beyond mere attendance and prayer, with various
other activities playing a role in shaping teens' faith experiences. Participation in religious youth groups
and educational programs is common, although it varies across different Christian subgroups and tends to
decrease as adolescents age. Despite these variations, a majority of U.S. teens report occasional religious
or spiritual experiences, such as feelings of deep spiritual peace, gratitude, or thankfulness. However, it's
worth noting that religiously unaffiliated adolescents are somewhat less likely to report such experiences
compared to their religiously affiliated counterparts (Mitchell, 2021).

Based on the Investigation of University of Notre Dame in America, a significant 80% of

teenagers actively engage in prayer, as revealed by the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent
Health. Among them, 40% adhere to a daily practice, demonstrating a consistent and regular spiritual
connection. An additional 22% participate in prayer on a weekly basis, reflecting a substantial portion of
youths who prioritize spiritual engagement. Conversely, 9% pray only monthly or less frequently,
indicating diverse levels of involvement in religious practices. It's worth noting that the reported 20%
who seemingly never pray may underestimate actual prayer engagement, as some respondents,
particularly those not affiliated with a religious tradition, might still engage in prayer but were not
captured in the survey's analysis. This result reveals that the variations in prayer frequency are evident
across different religious affiliations, with more conservative and sectarian traditions exhibiting higher
prayer rates.

Prayers are essential for teenagers to understand how it affects their feelings and thoughts or
potentially impact on their emotional well-being and cognitive development. As stated on the study of
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

McCulloch and Parks-Stamm's (2020), it illuminates that engaging in prayer expands the psychological
horizons of individuals, fostering a deeper acceptance of personal challenges. This suggests that teenagers
who incorporate prayer into their lives may cultivate a broader outlook, which could significantly bolster
their emotional resilience and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, prayer instills a profound sense of
connection to the eternal, nurturing a perspective that extends beyond immediate concerns. This notion
resonates with the concept that prayer activates higher-level construal, enabling teenagers to perceive
their trials from a more expansive viewpoint. Consequently, prayer emerges as a potent tool for teenagers
to navigate their emotions with greater efficacy, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being.

The attitude of teenagers towards prayer and mass attendance is crucial. This review
synthesizes recent literature, particularly focusing on the cultural psychology of religiosity, spirituality,
and secularism among adolescents. As described by the study of Jensen (2021) which emphasizes the
significance of cultural diversity in understanding adolescents' development of religiosity, spirituality, and
secularism. Moreover, recent trends indicate an increase in spirituality alongside secularism among
adolescents. This suggests a dynamic landscape where traditional religious practices coexist with more
individualized spiritual beliefs. Also, the globalization effect prompts a reevaluation of the relationship
between religion and culture, especially concerning adolescents' attitudes towards prayer and mass
attendance.

Mass attendance/ gathering

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mass attendance or mass gatherings is
require careful planning and coordination to keep participants safe. WHO defines mass gatherings as
events where the number of attendees could overwhelm the planning and response resources of the
hosting community or country. Examples like the Olympic Games and The Hajj show how large and
complex these gatherings can be. Additionally, WHO emphasizes the strain on health systems during
mass gatherings, highlighting the need for thorough preparation to minimize risks and respond swiftly to
emergencies. This aligns with the findings of Anssi Koski et al. (2020), which stress the importance of
multi-authority preparedness to manage risks and ensure quick responses during mass gatherings.

As a tradition of church beliefs, a mass gathering refers to a planned congregation of a large

number of individuals within a religious context, typically held in a church or place of worship. These
gatherings serve as communal events where believers come together to participate in religious rituals,
ceremonies, and worship practices, often led by clergy or religious leaders. The data from the Center for
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University provides insights into mass
attendance trends, particularly in countries with large Catholic populations. According to the data, Nigeria
emerges as the leader in mass attendance, with a remarkable 94% of self-identified Catholics attending
Mass weekly or more. This statistic is notable given the challenges faced by Nigerian Catholics, including
violent attacks on churches. These observations highlight the complex interplay between religious
practice, economic development, and cultural context specifically in Mass Attendance / Gathering activity
(McKeown, 2024).

In other literature, Mass attendance is a communal religious practice that also warrants attention
in understanding teenagers' perspectives on religion. The studies exploring this aspect often highlight the
influence of family dynamics, peer relationships, and personal beliefs. While some teenagers find solace
and community in attending mass, others may perceive it as tedious or unimportant. Factors like the
relevance of religious teachings, the quality of worship experience, and social interactions within the
religious community influence teenagers' engagement with mass attendance (Torralba et al., 2021).

As stated by Beckwith et al. (2023) study which aimed to enhance health and safety outcomes for
young individuals attending Mass Gathering Events (MGEs) by examining psychosocial factors
influencing behavior. The study identified prevalent psychosocial outcomes among youth at MGEs, such
as social connection, substance use, risky behaviors, and psychological distress. It emphasize the factors
like social influence and psychological stressors contributed to behaviors like excessive alcohol
consumption, drug use, risky sex, and overall risk-taking tendencies among youth attendees. Effective
interventions highlighted in the review included alcohol-free zones, anti-drinking campaigns,
psychoeducation, and parental disapproval of alcohol consumption, showing promise in reducing harm.
The findings reveal the significance of psychosocial interventions in mitigating risks and promoting well-
being among young MGE attendees.

Based on the findings of Hopkins and Reicher (2020), it's evident that mass gatherings offer
significant benefits beyond just physical health considerations. The positive impacts on psychological
well-being, including social integration and empowerment, highlight the potential value of these events
for teenagers. Participation in mass gatherings could provide teenagers with opportunities to develop a
sense of belonging, self-esteem, and social connection, which are crucial aspects of their development and
well-being. Furthermore, Kearns et al. (2017) and Pelletier (2018) emphasize the role of mass gatherings
in managing trauma, such as coping with suicide or terrorist attacks. For teenagers, who may face various
challenges and stresses during their formative years, the support and solidarity provided by participating
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

in such events could be particularly beneficial. These findings suggest that mass gatherings may serve as
important outlets for teenagers to find comfort, support, and a sense of community during difficult times.
Through understanding how teenagers perceive and engage with mass gatherings, particularly in religious
or commemorative contexts, becomes essential in light of these findings. Exploring teenagers'
perspectives on mass attendance and prayer could provide valuable insights into how these events
contribute to their well-being and social integration. Additionally, it could inform strategies to promote
positive experiences and ensure that teenagers can fully benefit from the potential advantages that mass
gatherings offer.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT: PROCESS: OUTPUT:

The output will be a

These factors shape
brochure as a
teenagers' attitudes a) Survey Design
instrument that can
towards prayer and and Data use to disseminate
mass attendance Collection: knowledge about
a) Family Comprehensive the teenagers'
Influences survey perspectives on
development and prayer and mass
data collection attendance in
b) Friends contemporary
among teenagers
Influences society that contain
aged 13 to 20.
the answer of the
c) Cultural respondents,
b) Quantitative Validation of
Factors Analysis: assumption and the
Analyzing survey conclusion based on
d) and responses to the results of the
Technological identify patterns study.
Influences and trends related
to teenagers'
perspectives

(FIGURE 1). The conceptual framework encompasses various factors influencing teenagers’ attitudes
toward prayer and mass attendance.
 P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines

This focuses on understanding teenagers' attitudes towards prayer and mass attendance. It
considers various influences such as family, peers, culture, and technology. Through a structured process
of survey design, data collection, and quantitative analysis, the research aims to assess teenagers'
engagement, explore the impact of prayer and mass attendance, identify influencing factors, and provide
actionable recommendations. This concise approach enables a comprehensive exploration of teenagers'
perspectives within modern societal contexts.

Family Influence reflects the impact of parental beliefs and practices on teenagers' perspectives
regarding religious activities. Peer Influence considers the role of peer interactions and social dynamics in
shaping teenagers' attitudes toward prayer and mass attendance. Cultural Factors encompass societal
norms, values, and expectations related to religion, influencing teenagers' perceptions of these practices.
Technological Influence addresses the influence of modern technology and its integration into daily life
on teenagers' engagement with religious activities. These independent variables collectively influence two
dependent variables: Teenagers' Attitudes toward Prayer and Teenagers' Attitudes toward Mass
Attendance. The relationships depicted in the conceptual framework illustrate the interplay between these
factors, providing a structured approach to understanding teenagers' perspectives on prayer and mass
attendance in contemporary society.
P A G B I L A O A C A D E M Y, I N C .
Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines