The Influence of Religion on Attitudes toward Alcohol Use in Jewish Adolescents

The Influence of Religion on Attitudes toward Alcohol Use in Jewish Adolescents by Toby R. Levin M.P.H, CUNY-Hunter College, 2002 B.A., CUNY-Brooklyn College, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University August 2014 Abstract Historically, the Jewish faith has used alcohol in rituals and religious holidays in which adolescents are permitted to fully participate and this exposure to alcohol may influence attitudes and beliefs about underage drinking among Jewish adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between the Jewish religion and attitudes toward alcohol among Jewish adolescents. The theoretical frameworks, onHistorically, the Jewish faith has used alcohol in rituals and religious holidays in which adolescents are permitted to fully participate and this exposure to alcohol may influence attitudes and beliefs about underage drinking among Jewish adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between the Jewish religion and attitudes toward alcohol among Jewish adolescents. The theoretical frameworks, on which this study was based, were the social bond theory and the social development theory. Each of these theories indicates that community is important to the individual. Using a cross sectional study design, 160 adolescents participated in a survey that was administered by paper during a free period or lunchtime. ANOVA and linear regression were used to determine if there was a relationship between religion, gender, age, and attitudes toward alcohol. According to study findings, there was no significant relationship between religious affiliation or religious service attendance and attitudes towards the use of alcohol. However, there was a significant relationship between gender and attitudes against drinking and between age and the positive attitudes for drinking. These findings may spur positive social change at the community level. Yeshivas may review with Jewish adolescents the distinction between using alcohol for rituals/ceremonies and using alcohol socially, and the consequences of underage drinking. Future studies should include more participants in the different sects and denominations to get a more complete picture of the Jewish community. The Influence of Religion on Attitudes toward Alcohol Use in Jewish Adolescents by Toby R. Levin M.P.H. , CUNY-Hunter College, 2002 B.A., CUNY-Brooklyn College, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University August 2014 Dedication I dedicate my study to my youngest brother, Dovid. Without him, I would not have thought of this topic that I studied in the Orthodox Jewish community. He inspired me to examine this topic because he had the strength to say “No.” Acknowledgement I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge everyone who helped me accomplish my goals. First, I would like to thank my younger sisters (Chavie, Chanie and Chaykie) who helped me in ways that truly show me that they will always be there when I need them. I would then like to thank my parents who gave me the courage and strength to be and do anything and the rest of my siblings and sisters-in-law (Rivky, Meyer, Tamar, Avrumie, Talia and Libby) who gave me the support I needed. I would also like to thank my cousin Malkie for her persistence and to Evonne and Bernard Nemes for being my “extra pair of eyes. ” Another person I would like to thank is Mekete Asfaw for listening to my complaints about the whole process and encouraging me to push on. I would like to give a very special thanks to my uncle, Jay Levin, a‟h. Although he is no longer on this earth and is with me in spirit, he always encouraged me to go on even when it was tough. I would like to acknowledge Rabbi Zucker, Shira Berkowitz, Danielle Schusselberg, Shiva and Dr. Hoffman for assisting me in reaching out to potential participants. Without these individuals, my study would be at a loss. Finally, I would like to thank Dr. Richard Palmer, who guided me through the dissertation process and never gave up on me and to Dr. Sandra Rasmussen who had faith