Sanctification of Adolescence: A Qualitative Analysis of Thriving Among Filipino Youth With Religious Sparks

Abstract

Correspondence concerning this article can be addressed to Jet U. Buenconsejo. Email: jet.uy.buenconsejo@gmail.com. Developmental systems theories have linked religiosity and spirituality with positive youth development (PYD), particularly “thriving”. Thriving involves the identification of one’s deepest interest or passion in life (termed as “spark”) and being nurtured by an environment that supports, encourages, and develops this spark. Considering the need to understand the underlying mechanisms and processes of thriving in culturally, geographically, and racially diverse contexts of religion and spirituality, this study delved into the transcendental experiences of Filipino adolescents. Using the strategies and techniques of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), the researcher interviewed 11 male Filipino Roman Catholics, aged 15 to 20 years old, who were able to identify a religious spark and are active members of a social group that supports their sparks. Results revealed five overarching themes: (a) perception of the nature of spark; (b) family and social groups as providers of guidance and support; (c) religious spark as source of positive experiences; (d) religious spark as source of negative experiences; and (e) compromises and adjustments amidst constancy of spark. Transcendence together with unconditional familial acceptance and appreciation have been found to be very crucial and salient in facilitating thriving. Theoretical and practical implications in promoting PYD are discussed.