ERIC Number: EJ1321491
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Nov
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0044-118X
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Available Date: N/A
"I Have Grown with It": Experiences of Spiritual Identity Development in a Group of South African Adolescents
Naudé, Luzelle; Capitano, Tracy-Ann
Youth & Society, v53 n8 p1356-1375 Nov 2021
This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to capture experiences of spiritual identity development in a purposive sample of South African adolescents, using semi-structured interviews and reflective writing exercises. Participants confirmed the prominence of religiosity and spirituality, as intertwined concepts central to their sense of purpose and identity. Consistent with the ideas expressed in psychosocial theories and lifespan development approaches, these adolescents valued the importance of choice when confronted with contradiction. They prioritized personal commitment and authenticity in their spiritual journeys toward finding a sense of self. It is clear that spiritual identity development unfolds as a lifelong process, driven by an interplay between cognitive development, psychosocial experiences, and the religiocultural context. The findings of this study reiterates that, as adolescents mature into emerging adulthood and their lives and meaning-making abilities become more complex, spirituality is critical in answering intricate questions about the self, others, and purpose of life.
Descriptors: Spiritual Development, Identification (Psychology), Foreign Countries, Adolescents, Religious Factors, Social Experience, Emotional Experience, Adolescent Development, Adolescent Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
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