Religious Adolescents' Views of Success and Spirituality

Two hundred forty-four adolescents and emerging adults responded to open-ended survey questions examining their views of success and spirituality. Success was more frequently identified with knowledge and wisdom, moral virtues, a sense of purpose and motivation, and social virtues such as participation in community activities and the ability to contribute to positive relationships. Spirituality was most frequently associated with the process and outcomes of spiritual practices (i.e., prayer and meditation), having a sense of faith, and feeling connected to something greater than the self. Implications for further analysis and measurement are discussed.