Impact of Intergenerational Religious Socialization and Credibility Enhancing Displays on Religiosity and Deconversion: Mediation by Identity Formation

Abstract

The present study investigated the impact of intergenerational religious socialization and credibility enhancing displays on religiosity and deconversion. The study also investigated the mediating role of identity formation for the said relationship of variables among young people. The sample included 450 p311icipants (including, Men= 225 and Women=225). Data was collected from different institutes/places and personal references to select the required sample (18-25 years). Along with the demographic sheet, responses were collected on Intergenerational Religious Socialization Scale (developed by the author), Credibility Exposure Scale (Lanman & Buhrmester, 2017), Circumplex Identity Modes Questionnaire (Topolewska & Cieciuch, 2017), Mature Religiosity (de Vries-Schot, & Van Uden, 2012) and Deconversion Scale (Nowosielski & B311czuk 2017) respectively. Preliminary studies provided that intergenerationa1 religious socialization and credibility enhancing displays impact religiosity and mostly shield individuals from deconversion. Also, normativity and moratorivity mediate the relationship between these variables. Identities inclined towards normativity experience more religiosity in their life. While identities inclined towards moratorivity may experience deconversion in their life. Intergenerational religious socialization (perseverance) is mediated by defiance and moratorivity, resulting in deconversion. Moreover, diffusion mediates openness for both religiosity and deconversion. However, no mediation was found by credibility enhancing displays. This research explores recent trends in Pakistan towards religious affiliations or disaffiliation. By understanding the influences on religious beliefs and behaviours, stakeholders can work towards creating environments that support religious identity formation, enhance credibility in religious practices, address challenges of deconversion, and promote religious tolerance and understanding.