"I Didn't Need Organized Religion to Engage With God": Understanding Black Students' Spiritual Identity Development

• In Event: Multiple Lenses on Spirituality in Education

Abstract

Religion, spirituality, and faith are interrelated concepts that are significant for many U.S. Black college students (Chae et al., 2004). Institutions seeking to foster holistic student development must incorporate students’ spiritual identities, which first requires understanding of students’ spiritual identity development journeys. Semi-structured interviews and visual data provided by 13 self-identified Black and spiritual students attending predominantly white institutions (PWIs) provided insight into Black students’ spiritual identity development journeys. Findings indicate that, for some Black students, their spiritual identity development journeys were initiated prior to their college matriculation, while others recognized shifts in their conceptualization of spirituality during their college years. Implications for research and practice are provided to higher education professionals seeking to support Black students’ spiritual needs.

Author

• Terra N Hall, Pepperdine University
  Presenting Author