Emerging adults’ lived experiences of the journey of spiritual identity development
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Date
2021-11
Authors
Buys, Corlia
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore and describe emerging adults’ lived experiences of spiritual identity development in South Africa. To capture the active, intimate experience of the journey, the study focused on the processes involved in forming a spiritual identity. Developmental psychologists claim that emerging adulthood is the time in the life span (18-29 years) when decisions regarding beliefs and values are inevitable. During this developmental stage, the reconstruction of the past and imagination of the future provide individuals with a sense of the interwoven fibres of meaning. A conceptual framework for spiritual identity, consisting of three moral ethics (Shweder et al., 1997) were of vital importance. The ethic of autonomy, community, and divinity suggests a formulation of the unique ways in which people of various cultures and communities may form believes and values. The importance of a cultural-developmental approach (Jensen, 2008) alludes to the need for a study in the South African context, marked by both its diversity in terms of religions and cultures, and a strong emphasis on scriptural authority as a religious country. A South-African study on the identity-divinity link nested in the life stories of emerging adults shed light on the authentic experiences regarding autonomy, community, and divinity of South African emerging adults, especially against the background of the strong religiosity of the country. A qualitative research approach rooted in a phenomenological paradigm was undertaken, to explore the identity-divinity link in emerging adults in South Africa. An interpretative phenomenological approach enabled the researcher to search for the understanding of and aspects relating to the experiences of the participants. Seven emerging adults known to be dedicated spiritually were selected to participate: five white, one black, and one Indian. Data were collected by means of three interviews, using the life story interview and the two questions
known for assessing moral views: “When you get toward the end of your life, what would you like to be able to say about your life, looking back on it?” and “What values or beliefs do you think are the most important to pass on to the next generation?” The narratives of the participants were analysed and interpreted by means of interpretative phenomenological analysis. The focus of the study was the distinct meaning and the significance of the experience of the spiritual journey for the specific participant. The interpretative approach required understanding of an experience from within. Nested in a distinctive semantic, cultural, and relational space, the participants’ relatedness to the world and the essential meaning as it was experienced, was important. Inductive interpretation processes were prioritised, and Shweder’s ethics of autonomy, community, and divinity served as sensitising concepts.With regard to the ethic of autonomy, it was found in this study that spiritual identity unfolds within the opportunity to voice a life story. Looking inside and narrating a life story is an individualistic act but also calls on the ethic of divinity as a spiritual identity emerges from the meaning making and the establishing of a narrative identity. During the process of forming a life story, a narrative identity develops. A question like “What are my beliefs” leads to the development of a religious or spiritual identity, which manifests “as a persistent sense of self that addresses ultimate questions about the nature, purpose, and meaning of life” (Kiesling et al., 2006). Secondly. it was also clear that spiritual identity grows while emerging adults become self-sufficient. The belief that self-sufficiency and independence should be reached before adult commitments (Arnett, 2015b) calls on the ethic of autonomy; however, in this study, this belief was accompanied by the ethic of divinity. Standing on their own feet and becoming self-sufficient were going along with the underlying reassurance of being dependent on God. Relying on God to help with decision making and becoming independent, these two aspects were interwoven. While they were becoming independent, living in a relationship of reliance and trust on a deity was typical of the emerging adults in this study. Thirdly, determination to find a work becomes an expression of spiritual identity nestled in a vocation. The underlying belief is that work and identity should complement each other (Arnett, 2015b). The ethic of autonomy is at the root of this belief. In this study, work, calling, and identity are inseparable. The participants explained who they were, how God had created them to be, and the work or occupation they would be doing, which would be in line with what God intended them to be doing. The ethic of divinity is the moral vein underlying this belief. Feenstra and Brouwer (2008) found that secure spiritual attachment and greater spiritual vitality and commitment were related to greater understanding of vocation. Lastly, during emerging adulthood, leisure and enjoyment can be an illustration of spiritual identity. The belief that self-focused fun and leisure are vital during this life stage (Arnett, 2015b) is underscored by the ethic of autonomy, which was true for most of the participants in the study. However, in this study, it was found that enjoyment and leisure are also part of how God is. He is joy, and a person experiences joy because of Him. The fruit of the Spirit of God is in a person, and it is becoming a person’s identity. With regard to the ethic of community, it was found in this study that 1) spiritual identity unfolds within a sense of belonging. During emerging adulthood, the importance of being embedded in a net of relationships becomes a profound realisation. The imprinting of spiritual identity in a relational world has the ethic of community and the ethic of divinity at its heart. Secondly, it was found that the finding of a soulmate can enhance spiritual identity development. The belief that the basis of marriage should be romantic love (Arnett, 2015b) can be informed by the ethic of autonomy or community, but for the participants in this study, marriage was also the covenant and safe space for dedicated worshipping and love for the Lord. Marriage is seen as a trio or triangle, where God is an important part of the covenant. The ethic of divinity is the moral vein underlying this belief. Thirdly starting a family expands spiritual identity development. Being a member of a little group and having commitments and obligations, responsibilities, and roles in a family call on the ethic of community (Shweder et al., 1997; Jensen, 2008), but experiencing the birth of a child as a gift and wonder from a deity calls on the ethic of divinity. Lastly, support and guidance on the journey enhance growth. The experience of the importance of relational connectedness calls on the ethic of community, but the search for existential meaning and the human potential dealing with ultimate purpose calls on the ethic of divinity. With regard to the ethic of divinity, it was found in this study that spiritual identity is imprinted while growing up. Emerging adults start living what they have been taught (Barry et al., 2018), especially as it was observed in this study with regard to spirituality – “when it comes to the presence of a relationship with a higher power that affects the way in which one operates in the world” (Zinnbauer & Pargament, 2005, p. 23). Secondly, suffering becomes meaningful within a spiritual identity. Personal growth in their life stories, difficult life experiences as being transformative, and the move from suffering to an enhanced state formed the redemptive script of their stories (McAdams et al., 2006). Thirdly, faithfulness, humbleness, and awe were part of the journey, and were initiated when they were confronted with major life events. Gutierrez and Park (2015) found that emerging adults’ belief in God remained stable and suggested that emerging adults refine their basic understanding of fundamental worldview constructions when they are confronted with major life events. Finally, purpose and meaning are the ultimate part of spiritual identity. Culver and Lundquist Denton (2017) also found that perceived closeness (attachment) to God was linked to the sense of life purpose in emerging adults.This study contributes to the literature on spiritual identity, especially with regard to theethics of autonomy, community, and divinity. Rich contextual information regarding spiritual identity was provided. The ethics of autonomy, community, and divinity suggest a formulation of the unique ways in which people of various cultures and communities may form beliefs and values (Jensen, 2011; Shweder et al., 1997). The South African context is unique in terms of religiosity, and the identity-divinity link is prevalent in the spiritual identity journey of emerging adults.
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Keywords
Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2021, Emerging adulthood, Divinity, Spiritual identity, Meaning making, South African emerging adults, Autonomy (Psychology) -- Religious aspects