Spiritual Identity Formation of Non-Adventist Individuals in a Faith-based Higher Education Institution in Thailand

Abstract

Aim/Purpose: This study aimed to explore the influence of religion on the identity formation of individuals, particularly within the context of higher education. Specifically, it sought to investigate how religious beliefs influence one’s pursuit of meaning, purpose, and a unified sense of self. As identity development is a critical task during young adulthood, particularly among university students, the study examined how spiritual transformation and faith-based affiliation play an integral role in shaping individual identity.

Introduction/Background: Identity formation is a developmental process through which individuals come to understand who they are in relation to the world around them. It encompasses multiple dimensions, including personal values, social roles, and future aspirations. Religion, as a powerful socio-cultural and personal force, has been widely acknowledged in scholarly literature as a significant factor in this process. Religious belief systems provide moral frameworks, community support, and existential meaning, which can guide individuals through periods of uncertainty and self-exploration.

In faith-based educational institutions, students are often immersed in an environment that actively promotes spiritual development alongside academic learning. Such settings provide opportunities for students to explore religious teachings, participate in faith-based activities, and form relationships with others who model religious commitment. These influences may contribute to the shaping of both spiritual and non-spiritual dimensions of identity. However, research on the specific mechanisms through which religion influences identity formation remains limited, particularly in non-Western contexts. This study addresses that gap by examining how exposure to religious beliefs and practices within an educational setting contributes to the development of identity.

Methodology: This study employed a phenomenological qualitative research design, using purposive sampling to select participants who had undergone a religious transformation during their time in a faith-based academic environment. Three individuals who had previously identified as spiritual seekers and later committed to a specific faith tradition were invited to participate in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The guiding questions focused on participants' pre-conversion experiences, the process of learning about the religion, their decision to join the faith community through baptism, and how their identities had changed since their religious commitment. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. The data were coded to identify recurring patterns and categorized into three key stages: pre-conversion searching, religious engagement and transformation, and post-conversion identity integration. This framework was used to trace the progression of spiritual influence on the participants’ self-concepts and personal development.

Findings: Participants described their initial state as one of inner conflict, characterized by a profound yearning for peace, healing, and clarity of life direction. They reported feeling spiritually disconnected and searching for answers that they believed could not be found through secular means. This phase was marked by emotional vulnerability and openness to new perspectives. The second stage of the journey began when participants encountered individuals within the religious community whose lives and values made a lasting impression. Through these interpersonal connections, they were introduced to religious teachings, community activities, and structured spiritual practices. As participants engaged more deeply with religious texts and communal worship, they reported growing clarity, emotional stability, and a sense of belonging. This phase culminated in their decision to undergo baptism, symbolizing a formal commitment to the faith. In the post-conversion stage, participants experienced a reorientation of their identity across multiple dimensions. Spiritually, they described a deeper relationship with a higher power and increased commitment to religious practices. Mentally, they noted greater peace of mind, moral clarity, and purpose. Socially, they developed stronger, values-aligned relationships. Physically, some participants reported lifestyle changes inspired by religious teachings on health and wellness. These transformations were described as rapid and noticeable, occurring within a relatively short period after conversion.

Contribution/Impact on Society: The findings of this study highlight the multifaceted role of religion in identity formation. Religious involvement not only shapes spiritual beliefs, but also influences mental health, social relationships, and behavioral patterns. In a broader societal context, this highlights the potential of faith-based communities and institutions to promote holistic personal development, particularly among young adults navigating transitional life stages. The study also brings attention to the role of lived experiences—such as interpersonal relationships and community engagement—in encouraging religious exploration and identity consolidation.

Recommendations: Given the powerful role that religion can play in identity formation, educators and leaders within faith-based institutions should intentionally cultivate environments that encourage open dialogue, reflection, and authentic spiritual experiences. Mentorship programs, religious study groups, and values-driven campus life initiatives can serve as effective platforms for supporting students' identity development. Moreover, curriculum designers should consider integrating discussions on spirituality, ethics, and personal growth into academic programs to promote well-rounded development.

Research Limitations: One limitation of this study was its small sample size, consisting of only three participants, which restricts the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the study focused on a single religious tradition and took place within a particular type of educational institution, which may not reflect the experiences of individuals in other contexts or faiths. Social desirability bias may also have influenced participants' responses, given the spiritual nature of the subject.

Future Research: Future studies could expand this research by including a more diverse participant pool across different faith-based affiliations and institutional settings. Longitudinal studies could also provide deeper insights into how religious identity evolves over time. Comparative studies between faith-based and secular institutions may further illuminate the distinct ways that environments shape identity development. Integrating quantitative measures alongside qualitative narratives could also enhance the robustness of findings.