Spirituality in College Students' Lives - Research-Based Insights

In this review of Spirituality in College Students' Lives the editors assemble research that will matter to faculty, student affairs professionals, and graduate students studying development in higher education. The single biggest reason to read this collection is its foundation in a large-scale national survey and multiple disciplinary perspectives that connect empirical findings to practical implications. The volume is presented as an edited collection that balances theoretical frames and practitioner reflection, making it a useful bridge between academic study and campus practice for anyone engaged in student spiritual formation.

Key Features

• Large-scale survey data: The book draws on a national survey to ground discussions in broad empirical evidence about undergraduates' spiritual development.
• Interdisciplinary contributors: Authors from education, psychology, sociology, social work, and religion provide diverse analytical lenses that strengthen interpretation of the findings.
• Focus on practice: Reflections from experienced researchers and practitioners highlight implications that campus staff and faculty can apply.
• Theoretical variety: Emerging theoretical frames and analytical approaches are presented to support new research and program design.
• Student-centered perspective: The volume emphasizes the role of the college experience in shaping spiritual growth, useful for curricular and co-curricular planning.

Who It's For

This collection is best for higher education researchers, student affairs professionals, campus chaplains, and graduate students who want evidence-based insight into how college life affects spiritual development. It serves readers who seek both empirical data and thoughtful practitioner-oriented interpretation.

Readers looking for a concise devotional or a how-to manual for spiritual practices should look elsewhere; this is an academic edited volume focused on research, theory, and implications for institutional practice rather than personal spiritual exercises.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong empirical grounding: uses national survey data to support conclusions about student spirituality.
• Cross-disciplinary voices: provides multiple lenses that enrich understanding and program design.
• Practical reflections: includes implications for practice that campus professionals can use.

Cons

• Edited collection format can feel uneven as chapters vary in style and depth.

Specifications

Title	Spirituality in College Students' Lives
Editors/Authors	Alyssa Bryant Rockenbach, Matthew J. Mayhew
Subject	Spiritual development in higher education
Approach	Edited academic collection with survey-based research
Disciplines Included	Education, psychology, sociology, social work, religion
Audience	Researchers, student affairs professionals, graduate students

Our Verdict

Spirituality in College Students' Lives is a worthwhile read for professionals and scholars who want research-informed perspectives on student spiritual growth and campus practice. Its combination of national survey evidence and interdisciplinary commentary makes it a valuable resource for designing programs and informing campus policy, offering strong value for readers seeking applied insight rather than devotional content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include original data?
The volume draws on a large-scale national survey to provide empirical evidence about undergraduate spiritual development.

Is it practical for campus staff?
Yes; several chapters include reflections and implications that translate research findings into ideas for campus programs and practice.

Who contributed to the book?
Contributors come from education, psychology, sociology, social work, and religion, offering interdisciplinary perspectives.