It took me 15 minutes to figure out my username and password

because I haven't blogged in such a long time. So, what have I been up to? Here's the introduction to what eventually will be my dissertation. It's entitled Spirituality and Religiosity in Incarcerated and Non-incarcerated Adolescents: A Comparison. Pretty cool, huh?

Scholars describe adolescence as a key period of change in human development during which young people are experiencing many transitions. Boys and girls face struggles during the adolescent stage of development – they struggle to define themselves, to get past physical as well as emotional changes, to balance an increased need for autonomy while still looking to adults for support, and to connect with peers (Nelson & Lott, 2000). William Pollack (1998) asserts that boys receive mixed messages from society about what they are to be as men. During adolescence, boys must suppress showing emotion and put on a “gender straightjacket” (p. 6) to fit culture’s definition of masculinity. For girls, a similar phenomenon occurs. Girls stop living authentic lives true to themselves and forsake their wants and desires for those of culture (Pipher, 1994). With these societal pressures looming, girls and boys enter this time of change and must emerge as healthy women and men. Adolescents evoke a wide array of emotions in adults; some adults see the hopes and dreams of the future when they ponder about this age group whereas other adults see rebels and misguided children who are void of direction in their lives (Smith & Denton, 2005).

Some adolescents do not navigate this period of life well and become involved in delinquent behaviors. Facing different challenges than their parents, today’s adolescents struggle to live successful lives (Snyder & Sickmund, 2006). Incarcerated adolescents pose a variety of challenges to mental health professionals working with them. Many individuals in this population have behavioral and emotional problems. Among this population, counselors frequently see depression (Granello & Hanna, 2003). Juvenile offenders also tend to have histories of gang affiliation and substance abuse. One finds that family structure and connectivity with school, work, or society in general is usually lacking in this population (Snyder & Sickmund, 2006).

Individuals are biologically and emotionally constructed to attach to others. Researchers in neurology, sociology, and other disciplines underscore the need for people, especially young people, to attach to others. The religious and spiritual realm of the human psyche appears to increase this connection (Institute for American Values, 2003).

So that's what I've been up to. There's about 24 more pages to it. It's the beginning of what will be my study. So, thanks to those of you who stop by to check on me...sorry it's been a while.

Thanks for reading.