Theory and Definition
A key outcome of the center’s early work is to contribute to building an international, interdisciplinary consensus on key areas of the definition and dimensions of spiritual development. This contribution will be guided by all the data collection under way and through active engagement of advisors in the consensus-building process. Though it would be impossible to expect full consensus, we particularly seek to press for consensus across international and religious boundaries. Findings from these processes—-as well as all the preceding research-—will be disseminated in articles, conference presentations, books, and other channels, in addition to the tools and methods that will also emerge from the consensus-building process.
Measures and Survey
In 2008, the center, together with research partners, will conduct an exploratory study of spiritual development that builds on its definitional and theory-building work. In preparation for this study, the center is cataloguing existing relevant measures of religious and spiritual development to identify existing tools that may be deployed as well as gaps that need to be filled with new items or scales.
The 2008 study—-which will be shaped with input from advisors—-will explore issues of spiritual development, spiritual thriving, and their relationships with other domains of human development. It will be international in scope, with samples drawn from multiple continents to provide diversity in geography, social location, and religious tradition. The total sample size across the sites will be in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 young people. We anticipate that this initial study will set the stage for more rigorous and comprehensive research in the future.
Read an update on this project
Communication
Most reviews of current dissemination efforts from research studies note that researchers have tended to overlook or undervalue this aspect of their work. At best, it is an afterthought, generally targeted toward their colleagues in academia or, in some cases, toward the general media. This is not surprising, as researchers traditionally have played the role of knowledge developers, not knowledge brokers. Because of its unique history, capacity, and personnel (symbolized in the shared leadership of the center between Peter Benson, a social scientist, and Eugene Roehlkepartain, a communications/practice professional), the Center for Spiritual Development seeks to be strategic and intentional in ensuring that high-quality research is conducted and disseminated to the scientific community. It will also develop “best practice” systems and strategies that will impact thought leaders, practitioners, and, ultimately, the general public in ways that move the topics of spiritual development and spiritual thriving into the mainstream of public dialogue and action.
Practical Tools
A number of tools for practitioners and parents are anticipated to grow out of the center’s initial theory-building and research efforts. These will be designed to equip people to use the frameworks, research, and principles that emerge from the center’s work to contribute to young people’s healthy development. The specific nature of the tools is yet to be determined; however, we anticipate an initial resource that focuses on methods, tools, and processes for engaging in constructive dialogue about spiritual development with young people, parents, educators, and other stakeholders.
