Spirituality for Students

Spirituality can mean different things to different people, and even researchers define it in varying ways. While many people blur the lines between them, spirituality and religion are distinct concepts with unique meanings.

Religion is a structured set of beliefs and practices tied to a specific tradition, whereas Western scientists describe spirituality as a deep personal belief system – one that involves searching for meaning and purpose, cultivating awareness of the self and world around us, and fostering a sense of connection with others and something greater than ourselves. Spirituality encourages looking beyond the material things in life, bringing fulfillment and promoting values like love, hope, and an altruistic outlook that inspires care and compassion for our fellow humans. A person may be both spiritual and religious, spiritual but not religious, religious but not spiritual, or neither.

For example, a student who regularly attends church, a mosque, or a temple with their parents but doesn’t personally engage, reflect on its meaning, or feel a sense of connection might be considered religious but not necessarily deeply spiritual. On the other hand, a young person who doesn’t participate in organized religion but is deeply curious about their purpose and feels connected to something greater—perhaps through nature, meditation, or volunteering—could be considered spiritual.

Despite their differences, spirituality and religion share common themes, including a sense of awe, gratitude, deep connection, and a search for meaning.

Many see spirituality as a source of strength and comfort – a powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges. Researchers consider it a marker of thriving in young people, linking it to greater well-being and happiness for children and adolescents. Many indigenous perspectives consider spirituality a non-negotiable element of well-being.

Research shows that children are naturally capable of being spiritual, and this ability can be encouraged and supported as they grow in their cognitive skills and social experiences.

For example, for children, spirituality may manifest in a curiosity about existential questions like “Where do I come from? Why did I come into this world? What is the purpose of life? What is right and wrong?”

From an early age, children often absorb the beliefs and values of their parents and caregivers, forming the foundation of their own spiritual understanding. As students grow and enter adolescence, their spirituality often expands, is increasingly influenced by peers, and may start incorporating different perspectives. Their spiritual beliefs may also become more integrated into their identity.

For example, a middle school student engages in a class discussion about different cultural traditions and begins to realize that their own beliefs are just one of many perspectives. Or a student in high school might develop a deeper appreciation for interconnectedness and common humanity through a community service project such as volunteering at a food bank.

Although religious participation (for example, attending church) can sometimes decrease as students enter young adulthood, their spiritual curiosities and involvement can deepen. In a study of youth from all over the world, researchers learned that most young people see spirituality as something important to develop. Brain science agrees – suggesting that actively contemplating life’s big questions can promote healthy brain development during adolescence.

Nurturing spirituality in schools can feel like walking a delicate line. However, research highlights that spirituality is a universal human trait, deeply tied to our sense of meaning and purpose—both of which promote young people’s well-being and protect against mental health challenges. At its core, education fosters this very exploration, guiding students to discover their purpose, build meaningful connections, and extend their compassion beyond themselves. Teachers play a vital role in sparking these curiosities, inspiring students to engage with the world in deeper, more purposeful and compassionate ways.