Gender, Age, and Socioeconomic Status Differences in Children’s Religious Beliefs

Subject Areas : روان درمانگری

Razieh Nasirzadeh ¹ , Masoud H. Chari ²

1 - M. A. in Psychology
2 - PhD Shiraz University

Received: 2015-06-06 Accepted : 2015-06-06 Published : 2007-09-23

Keywords: age, gender, Children, religious beliefs, god, socioeconomic status,

Abstract :

Interviews and drawings of 122 Iranian children, aged 6 to 11, about religious beliefs and concepts (e.g., God) were examined. The results showed that, children painting God’s image used light more than any other symbol. During free associations, children mentioned God’s benevolence more than other attributes. Girls mostly depicted God in the form of symbols, while boys drew God more human-like. In describing God's deeds, 6 to 7 year olds mentioned the more positive and neutral aspects, 9 to 10 year olds noted God's omnipotence, and 10 to 11 year olds spoke mainly of the negative. Children from low socioeconomic status primarily prayed in times of need and on special occasions. Whereas, those with high socioeconomic status preferred praying in particular places and regularly. Implications in teaching religion and its related concepts are discussed.