Postgraduate psychology students’ experiences of spiritual identity development

Abstract

In this study, the experiences of spiritual identity development of postgraduate psychology students were explored. Emerging adulthood is a distinctive developmental stage during which individuals can explore different domains of their identities. After completing high school, emerging adults frequently enrol at higher education institutions. The university context offers unique opportunities and challenges to all domains of identity development. Spiritual identity, a unique domain of identity, develops during late adolescence and continues throughout the life span. A strong sense of spiritual identity provides individuals with a sense of congruence across multiple contexts and enables individuals to derive meaning from various life experiences. The participants of interest in this study were postgraduate psychology students. These students experienced immense personal growth, while attaining psychological knowledge and skills as they prepared for the health care profession. In the psychology profession, intrapersonal and interpersonal maturity is important. Spiritual identity is of essence to the intrapersonal development of students and enables students to derive meaning from their own experiences and of the experiences of others. The participants of interest in this study were postgraduate psychology students. These students experienced immense personal growth, while attaining psychological knowledge and skills as they prepared for the health care profession. In the psychology profession, intrapersonal and interpersonal maturity is important. Spiritual identity is of essence to the intrapersonal development of students and enables students to derive meaning from their own experiences and of the experiences of others. This research study followed a qualitative research design, utilising interpretive phenomenological analysis. Through purposive sampling, six postgraduate psychology students enrolled at the University of the Free State were selected to participate. The final sample consisted of six female students: one black, and five white students. Data were collected through reflective writing exercises and semi-structured interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised to analyse the data. After describing each case individually, a cross-case analysis was conducted. The following themes were identified: 1) A journey across the life span; 2) The role of significant others; 3) Trigger events along the journey and meaning-making; 4) Finding one’s voice among others; 5) Values and characteristics inherent to spiritual identity; and 6) Spirituality and becoming a psychologist. This study contributes to the body of literature pertaining to spiritual identity development across the life span. All facets of human development take place in context; therefore, spiritual identity development cannot be investigated without considering the unique context of South Africa. This study provides rich contextual information regarding spiritual identity development of postgraduate psychology students.