Validating the Spiritual Development, Belonging, and Coping (SDBC) Scale for African American Football Student-Athletes

• In Event: Survey Development in Education: Using Surveys With Students and Parents

Abstract

This research employs Rasch analysis to examine psychometric properties and validity of the Spiritual Development, Belonging, and Coping Survey (SDBC) for African American football student-athletes (AAFSAs) who participated in a sports ministry organization. The study is guided by Fowler and Parks' Faith Development Theory, which explores young adults' spiritual development and search for meaning in life. Survey items were adapted from previous research, and data were collected from 22 AAFSAs in Division I HEIs. Results demonstrate reasonable unidimensionality, item fit, separation reliability, and category functionality, providing valuable insights into AAFSAs' perspectives within the context. The findings have implications for enhancing spiritual development programs within sports ministry organizations and how to measure the impact of such programs.

Authors

• Min Xiao, University of Kentucky

• Rasheed Flowers, University of Kentucky

• Kelly D. Bradley, University of Kentucky