Predictors of Growth and Decline Following Spiritual Struggles

This study aimed to identify predictors of growth and decline outcomes following a spiritual struggle. Drawing from Pargament's theory of the religious orienting system (ROS), four potential predictor categories were identified: spiritual struggle characteristics, religious history, positive religious coping, and support. Variables from each predictor category were tested as individual predictors of outcome. For this study, college students (N = 127) who were experiencing spiritual struggles completed online surveys at two time points. Results of regression analyses generally supported hypotheses. Specifically, variables that strengthen the ROS were associated with growth, whereas variables that weaken the ROS were associated with decline. There was one surprising finding: Spiritual struggle severity was related to both growth and decline outcomes. Study limitations and implications are discussed, and suggestions for future research are identified.