New research has suggested that a quarter of young people with no faith have considered committing suicide.
The research was the most extensive survey of its kind and suggests that teenagers with no religious belief have a higher likelihood of feeling bad about themselves and their relationships with others.The research was conducted at the University of Wales and revealed that teenagers who profess no faith are often unconcerned about the rest of the world. For example 41% were not concerned by international development issues.
There was also a tendency for them to allow their lives to be governed by irrational beliefs and superstitions.
The survey asked young people if they felt that their life had a sense of purpose. About half of those with no faith, believed their life had a sense of purpose, whilst 60% and 66% of Christians and Muslims respectively felt their lives had a sense of purpose.
The survey also revealed that almost a third of Christians and 34% of Muslims were afraid of being persecuted for their faith. Faith was also seen to increase the likelihood of being bullied among teenagers.
The study called “Urban Hope and Spiritual Health- the adolescent voice” interviewed over 23,000 13-15 year old students form urban schools. The research seems to confirm the findings of a Children’s Society report from 2005 that emphasised spirituality in affecting the well-being of young people.The co-author of the book, Professor Leslie Francis said that: “Increasingly it is recognised that the full and proper assessment of the health of young people needs to take into account three dimensions: physical health, mental health and spiritual health. Spiritual health is about relationships. Good spiritual health is reflected in four areas: good relationship with self, good relationship with others, good relationship with the environment, good relationship with the transcendent.”
It was recommended to the Government in a report for the Children’s Society, that its Every Child Maters agenda should include a spiritual dimension.
Last week the Church of England’s Youth Council passed a motion calling on the Government to reconsider its Green Paper, Youth Matters, which was issued in September for consultation.
The Council claimed the Government should focus more upon the spiritual dimension when considering the holistic development of the young.
