Nurturing Religious Identity in Islamic Teens: A Self-Determination Theory (SDT) Approach
Introduction: Raising religious youth in today's diverse and fast-changing world presents unique challenges for Muslim parents and caregivers. As adolescents navigate critical phases of identity development, providing a strong foundation in Islamic beliefs, values, and practices becomes essential. Applying principles from Self-Determination Theory (SDT) can help nurture intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and a sense of belonging and purpose in Muslim teens. This article explores practical strategies based on SDT to foster spiritual growth, religious commitment, and well-being in Islamic youth. Understanding Self-Determination Theory: Self-Determination Theory was developed by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan. It posits that humans have fundamental psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are supported, people are more likely to experience intrinsic motivation to participate in activities willingly, internalize values, and gain a robust ...