The lived experiences of spiritual identity development amongst adolescents

[摘要] English: The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences with regard to the spiritual identity development of a sample of South African adolescents. These lived experiences were explored considering how the adolescent participants perceived and experienced their spirituality, as well as how these meaning-making experiences contributed to their identity development.Spiritual identity includes a stable and persistent sense of the self that addresses ultimate questions raised in the context of spirituality, namely on the nature, purpose and meaning of life. The existing theories of spiritual identity development propose contrasting ideas. Stage model theorists suggest that spiritual identity development is a process that parallels other developmental processes, including a process of meaning-making that increases in complexity as cognitive capacity increases. Other theorists suggest that spiritual identity development is a far more fluid process that evolves and grows in our connections and relationships with others, including relational and contextual factors. Further exploration into the development of spiritual identity is therefore indicated.A qualitative phenomenological study was undertaken as it allowed for the preservation of the complexity of the data and the exploration of developmental processes. The sampling procedures included both purposive and snowball sampling. A total of 12 participants were included in this research. The sample comprised of male and female adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 years. Participants from each of the year grades were selected due to developmental considerations. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews in the first phase of data collection and reflective writing exercises in the second phase of data collection. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was utilised and contributed to the identification of themes in the data set.Themes emerging from the data set produced a narrative that described some of the developmental triggers associated with spiritual identity development. It also facilitated the illumination of factors and people that contributed to the spiritual identity development of the participants. The exploration and participation engaged in by the participants through the process of modelling contributed to commitments and sacrifices. The values of participants, associated with their spirituality, were also highlighted. A sense of purpose related to spirituality and spiritual identity was perceived and experienced by all of the participants.The results obtained during the course of this research displayed consistencies with existing theories within this field. It was concluded that the participants included in this research demonstrated an elevated complexity in thinking with the increase in age and experience. Furthermore, the older and/or more cognitively advanced participants provided richer accounts of their experiences and were more focused on their spiritual identity development than the younger participants. It was concluded that no single theory can adequately conceptualise the spiritual development and spiritual identity development of adolescents due to the complex interplay between several factors and influences. This research study provides support for the discontinuous nature of spiritual identity development and indicates that it displays significant variability amongst a sample of South African participants.

[发布机构] University of the Free State