ABSTRACT

Spirituality in College Students’ Lives draws on data from a large-scale national survey examining the spiritual development of undergraduates and how colleges and universities can be more effective in facilitating students’ spiritual growth. In this book, contributors from the fields of education, psychology, sociology, social work, and religion present research-based studies that explore the importance of students’ spirituality and the impact of the college experience on their spiritual development. Offering a wide range of theoretical perspectives and worldviews, this volume also includes reflections from distinguished researchers and practitioners which highlight implications for practice. This original edited collection explores:

  • Emerging theoretical frames and analytical approaches;
  • differences in spiritual expressions and experiences among sub-populations;
  • the impact of campus contexts;
  • and how college experiences shape spiritual outcomes.

Spirituality in College Students’ Lives is an important resource for higher education and student affairs faculty, administrators, and practitioners interested in nurturing the inner lives of college students.

part I|16 pages

Introduction and Methodological Overview

part II|50 pages

Student Characteristics and Group Differences

chapter 4|14 pages

Race and Pro-Social Involvement

Toward a More Complex Understanding of Spiritual Development in College

chapter 5|8 pages

Researcher Reflection on Part II: Risky Business

Studying and Supporting Collegians' Spiritual Development

chapter 6|10 pages

Practitioner Reflection on Part II: Deliberate Campus Practices to Foster Spirituality, Purpose, and Meaning

Recognizing Student Characteristics and Group Differences

part IV|89 pages

Outcomes

chapter 11|17 pages

From Faith to Compassion?

Reciprocal Influences of Spirituality, Religious Commitment, and Prosocial Development During College

chapter 12|15 pages

Development among Adolescents and Young Adults

Longitudinal linkages between Spirituality, Religion, and Social Justice

chapter 14|18 pages

Informing Effective Psychospiritual Interventions for College Students

Identifying Mediators in the Relationship between Spiritual Struggles and Substance Use

chapter 17|9 pages

The Study of Spirituality: An Epilogue

Are We There Yet? If So, Where?