The Impact of Organizational Features and Student Experiences on Spiritual Development During the First Year of College

Abstract

The researcher analyzed National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) data for over 7,000 first-year students at nearly 450 institutions to examine the impacts on spiritual development. International, Asian, and first generation students reported gains in spirituality. Participating in worshipful activities, engaging in service learning and encountering diversity in the classroom relate positively to spiritual development, and students’ perceptions of positive peer relationships and institutional support for social and nonacademic needs relate to spiritual development. Certain organizational features such as general education coursework in religion/spirituality, institutional mission statements containing spiritual language, and required religious observances positively impact first-year students’ spiritual development.