Reception of Religious Symbols in Youth: Developmental Research of People Aged 12–24

This work is an innovative study in the field of developmental psychology of religion, exploring the reception of religious symbols — specifically the Cross and the Bible — in young people at the ages of 12 to 24. It examines the two symbols not only in the context of religious understanding but also in other areas of religious life, such as emotions, decision-making, connections to the community of believers, and a sense of mystery. The research results reveal the specific dynamics of the reception of religious symbols, which vary depending on age . The reception develops over time from simpler to more complex forms. The findings presented in this work may have practical applications in didactic and educational activities for parents, religious educators, and teachers, as well as in self-education. The symbol also shapes regulatory processes of interpersonal interactions at an increasingly higher level.