Adolescents and religion : a study amongst Gozitan 15- and 16-year olds

Abstract

In this dissertation, we intended to identify if Christian values as lived in a Catholic environment are still prevalent in the Gozitan adolescents' way of life. Moreover, we tried to see whether any changes have occurred over the years in the way adolescents view religion and whether Gozitan adolescents differ from their Maltese counterparts in religious matters. We tried to find answers to our queries by conducting a questionnaire amongst Gozitan adolescents aged 15-16 who were either in their last secondary academic school year or their counterparts in Trade schools. This age group was chosen due to the fact that being 15- or 16- years old, they are now in the world of adolescence; moreover, for a significant number of them, this is the last year when they can be considered typical 'Gozitans' as most of them will start working or studying in Malta in the following scholastic year. In all, our questionnaire was carried out in eight schools and the total number of respondents amounted up to a little more than 400. The various theories of developmental growth that we pondered helped us considerably when we came to analyse the responses we elicited from the respondents and to understand and evaluate their attitudes towards religion and their religious beliefs. Moreover, our research was compared and contrasted with the findings of other similar research, which was carried out on the mainland and also with other studies carried out in Gozo. After analysing thoroughly the responses we elicited and reflecting deeply about the implications, we have concluded although no clear-cut lines can be drawn, that most Gozitan adolescents can be still considered religious. That there is a difference between the values shared by Gozitan adolescents and those shared by their ancestors is evident. However, the Gozitan situation can still be regarded as slightly better than the prevailing "Maltese" one.