Praying, Playing, and Successful Families: An Examination of Family Religiosity, Family Leisure, and Family Functioning

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family religiosity, family leisure, and family functioning. The sample consisted of 121 parents and 99 youth from various religious groups. Results indicated a positive relationship between family religiosity and family leisure. Both family religiosity and family leisure had a significant relationship with family functioning in this sample. Data collected from both parents and youth provided insight into the influence of family religiosity and family leisure on family functioning. Family religiosity was the strongest predictor of family functioning for parents. For youth, both family leisure and family religiosity were significant predictors of family functioning. Findings provide specific implications for future family leisure research, as well as for parents and professionals who work with families. (C) 2007 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.