Adolescents and religion

Abstract

A number of studies have been published recently relating to the perception of religion by Gozitan youth, mainly as dissertations required for the completion of a degree. These include studies by Brian Meylaq , and another by Sandra Spiteri. The study by Anthony E. Azzopardi also deals with these issues. This study consists of an analysis of a questionnaire sent to several hundred Gozitan students in their last years of secondary schooling, before they left the Island and became influenced by ideas in a wider context. A total of 428 questionnaires were distributed to students attending the Lyceum, the Gozo Seminary, Secondary and Trade Schools. A response rate of 93% was achieved. It is of interest however that over 100 students were not available on the day the questionnaire was distributed - that is nearly 19 per cent of the student population. One might argue that these students could have a different point of view from the regular attenders. The male:female distribution was fairly balanced.