Spirituality and the sense of self: An inductive analysis

Abstract

The investigation examined the understanding of spirituality as related to the sense of self. Self-reports from semi-structured interviews of participants with a stated value for spirituality are analyzed inductively. Using a Rogerian understanding of self, the analysis identified six themes related to how participants understand spirituality as related to their sense of self. The themes demonstrate that spirituality is a key dimension to self understanding and is part of relationships, social engagement, an understanding of meaning and purpose in life, and an overall sense of happiness and joy.