Abstract
Despite the increasing interest in examining spirituality in psychological and educational health-related studies, there is a paucity of instruments that measure this construct. The objectives for this study were (1) to develop a valid and reliable assessment tool of spirituality that would be useful in psychological and educational settings, and (2) to investigate a conceptual model of an individual's mature spirituality. A multi-site, cross-sectional survey was conducted using university students in a large metropolitan area (N=1396). The instrument reliability (Cronbach's α, test-retest) and conceptual validity by exploratory factor analysis, and concurrent validity with the SSTT (Scale of Self-Transcendental Trait) and the scale of SOC (Sense of Coherence) were determined. The exploratory factor analysis identified three factors : Will, Joy and Sensitivity of Spirituality. A measurement tool for Spirituality was developed based on the exploratory factor analysis, called the SBAS (Spiritual Behavior, Attitude, Sensitivity)-Test and it was found to have sufficient reliability, and to show high correlations with SOC, (r=0.47, P<0.001) among subscales; and between Will, Joy and SOC, (r=0.49, P<0.001 r=0.57, P<0.001), and Sense and SSTT (r=0.61, P<0.001). It was concluded the SBAS-Test is a valid and reliable assessment tool that can be used in psychological and educational settings. In addition, Will and Joy were identified as in the health related domain of Spirituality; however Sensitivity itself (transcendental aspect) is not on the health side of Spirituality.
