The Effects of Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development on Adolescent Religious Development: Elkind's Approach

Abstract

Developmental studies have led to the study of education and psycho-logy, especially since the second half of the last century. The basis of these studies is based on the assumption of the existence of certain, successive inva-riant stages at different periods of the individual's life cycle. Accordingly, each individual goes through these stages in the same order, although there are individual differences, these stages are structurally similar. In particular, Pia-get's researches based on the semi-clinical method have significantly determi-ned the framework of studies in this field. Although some of Piaget's assump-tions are discussed today, the understanding that he brought remains impor-tant in this area. In parallel with its influence in the field of education and psychology, developmental studies have established a basis that has also been adopted and applied in the field of religious development. The most important studies in the field of religious development were conducted in the second half of the twentieth century, in particular by Ronald Goldman, David Elkind, James Fowler and Fritz Oser. These researchers have shaped their work mainly based on a Piagistic framework. In these studies, especially Elkind's studies contain examples that best reflect the Piagistic understanding both as a method and as an approach. Elkind has discussed in detail the elements that shape the religi-ous thought and understanding of the individual in the life process from childhood to youth. Prayer and religious experiences are the most important concepts he focuses on in these studies. Elkind has come closer to the Piagistic line with the semi-clinical met-hod he has used in his studies. By applying this method to individuals with different religious affiliations (Protestant, Catholic, Jewish), Elkind, who also obtained some comparative data, has revealed a research understanding that is far from theological biases. In all these studies, Elkind found some age-related similarities and divided them into certain periods. He found four sta-ges of religious development in which each stage coincides with a quest: the search for protection/patronage, the search for representation, the search for relationships, and the search for meaning (understanding). One of the most important focuses of Elkind is the field of adolescent religious development. Expressing his adolescent religious development with the search for meaning, Elkind notes that the religions that help him when it comes to people who challenge people's search for holistic meaning offer people some solutions in this regard. His studies of adolescent egocentrism, which he considers regard-less of the field of religious development, have also developed over time towards a certain understanding of religious development. He has also adap-ted similar lines of adolescent development to the field of religious develop-ment. David Elkind, who has important works in the field of religious deve-lopment, has discussed in detail the period of religious development, especi-ally adolescence. The period of adolescence coincides with Piaget's period of abstract operations. According to Elkind, the most important need that arises in the religious development of adolescence with the development of abstract thinking capacity is the search for meaning. Adolescence refers to the search for meaning in the field of religion, as well as in all areas of life. Despite its unique character, religious development in Elkind's work bears similarities with other areas of development. Elkind's research understanding, supported by various experimental studies, provides important data in terms of correctly understanding the religious development of adolescence and inspiring religi-ous education practices. The purpose of this study is to reveal Elkind's contri-bution to the field of religious development by using first-hand sources. Other studies in the field of religious development will also be briefly discussed. The study was carried out using the literature review method.