https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6660-8885
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ABSTRACT
This study explored spiritual identity development in a sample of South African adolescents, by considering how the participants perceived and experienced their spirituality, as well as how these meaning-making experiences contributed to their identity development. Twelve adolescent participants were purposively sampled and participated in semi-structured interviews and reflective writing exercises. The themes that emerged from the analysis alluded to the importance of relationships and context. The roles of parents, peers, the educational environment, and geographical location were emphasised. Participants explored and committed to their spiritual identities through processes of personal reflection, discussion, and modelling. Spiritual development is thus a reciprocal and bidirectional process between the unique individual and context. Spiritual identity development is a fluid process that evolves and grows in connections and relationships with others. Personal, cultural, and contextual factors are thus important in the co-creation of individuals’ spiritual life stories.
Disclosure statement
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Ethical approval
All procedures performed in this study (involving human participants) were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee.
Informed consent
Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Tracy-Ann Capitano
Tracy-Ann Capitano recently graduated with a PhD in Child Psychology at the University of the Free State. She is a practicing clinical psychologist.
Luzelle Naudé
Luzelle Naudé is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Free State. Her research interests include identity, adolescent development and the dynamics of diversity in South Africa.