Adolescent Spirituality and Thriving

Principle Investigator: Dr. Pam King

John Templeton Foundation, Thrive Foundation for Youth

In an ongoing body of research and theoretical work of the Thrive Lab, Dr. King and her research team continue to explore psychological aspects of spiritual development and the potential psychological resources within religion and spirituality that promote thriving for young people.

Given the rapid and major physiological changes during adolescence, teenagers grow in their curiosity and capacities to experience and understand transcendence. While their social worlds begin to expand beyond the family, so do their beliefs and sense of belonging, leading to exploration and the development of meaning, identity, and purpose. The Thrive Lab continues a long history of exploring the nature and function of spiritual development during adolescence. In particular we have explored influences on spiritual and religious development; the ideological, social, and transcendent resources available within religion and spirituality; and thriving outcomes related to adolescent religiousness and spirituality.