Fostering Undergraduate Spiritual Development in a Competitive, Digital World

Abstract

In recent years, psychological well-being among college-aged youth has declined sharply. While studies demonstrate a relationship between psychological well-being and spirituality, today's youth have fewer opportunities for spiritual development than prior generations. Increased pressure to achieve combined with increased use of technology leaves less time for spiritual reflection. Decreasing religious participation leaves fewer opportunities for the type of spiritual nourishment that previously existed. In this context, it becomes crucial for higher education to provide opportunities for holistic student development--including spiritual development. Because all undergraduates engage with academic coursework, it is especially important for faculty to consider what role they can play in promoting holistic student development. This chapter explores how spiritual growth occurs among undergraduates and explores pedagogical practices found to facilitate spiritual growth to ponder how higher education can effectively support the psychological well-being of undergraduates.