Precollege Factors That Affect Spirituality Among Non-Christian Students at Christian Colleges and Universities: A Comparison With Christian Students

• In Event: Educational Outcomes and the Role of Institutional Type

Abstract

This study attempted to better understand the nature of spirituality among religious minority students at faith-based institutions, by comparing the level and pre-college predictors of spirituality among non-Christian students at Christian colleges and universities with those for Christian counterparts at these institutions. Data were used from the 2004 College Students’ Beliefs and Values survey (CSBV) with a final sample of 6,408 students. This study found that non-Christian students tend to have relatively lower level of equanimity than do their Christian peers. When it comes to pre-college experiences that affect the level of spirituality, we found that some pre-college experiences either uniquely or more strongly predict the level of spirituality among non-Christian students as compared to their Christian counterparts.

Authors

• Wally Rude, Ambrose University College

• Oscar Espinoza Parra, Touro University Nevada

• John Lommel, Azusa Pacific University

• David Edens, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

• Young K. Kim, Azusa Pacific University