Exploring Spiritual Well-being of University Students: A Framework for Spiritual Eco-map

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the spiritual well-being of university students with a view to developing a framework for spiritual eco-map. Many university students fall into the age range of emerging adulthood, which is a new distinct and crucial stage of exploration, new experiences, and personal growth. However, it is also a stage of struggling with identity, future confusions, life meaning and purposes. In addition to the challenges that come with this developmental period, university students often face high academic expectations, which might be very stressful. Without adequate support, these challenges can significantly impact their overall well-being, which spiritual well-being is fundamental. Despite the vital role of spiritual well-being, it has been underestimated. Based on an empirical literature review, this study proposes a framework for a spiritual eco-map as a promising tool to help university students identify their spiritual resources, enhance their spiritual well-being, and hopefully prevent them from the development of psychopathology or mental health problems. This spiritual eco-map framework can be utilized by educators and therapists working with university students and can also be integrated into the university curriculum. Future research should assess the effectiveness of the framework’s implication based on empirical data.