A preliminary study conducted by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Missouri revealed that youth generally view spirituality in a positive light.

Anthony James, a graduate student, asked children and adolescents the question, “What does it mean to be a spiritual young person?” in order to “identify how youth define and practice spirituality.”

While the concept of spirituality is harder to define and categorize than religion, the study found that most of the youth agreed spirituality meant positive “personal and social development.”  The youth questioned also believed being spiritual fostered seven good traits and qualities that included having purpose; a bond with a higher power, other people, and nature; traits of well-being such as joy, fulfilment, energy, and peace; conviction; self-confidence; and the motivation to do the right thing and tell the truth.

Overall, while religion and spirituality may still be divisive topics, a group of today’s youth sees the positive and good aspects of living a life connected to a greater good.