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Religiosity and Spirituality Scale for Youth
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About Religiosity and Spirituality Scale for Youth
Scale Name
Religiosity and Spirituality Scale for Youth
Author Details
Brittany C. Hernandez
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The purpose of the current study was to develop a multidimensional measure of religiosity and spirituality using a sample of youth. In this study, religiosity was defined as one’s beliefs and practices related to religious affiliation or to God. Spirituality was defined as a unique, subjective, and personal application of one’s religious beliefs and practices.
The first aim of the study was to identify underlying dimensions in the data. Factor analysis results suggested a two-factor structure was most appropriate. The factor I, labelled Faith-based Coping, consists of items that assess the use of religious beliefs and practices specifically for coping purposes. The majority of items refer to receiving comfort or guidance during times of distress either through relying on beliefs or through taking an action, such as praying for strength.
This scale also includes items that convey a close feeling with God or one’s beliefs giving meaning to life, which also likely elicit feelings of comfort and purpose. The factor I, therefore, includes items that address both religiosity and spirituality, for the purpose of coping.
Recognizing the complex and nuanced role of religion and spirituality in young people’s lives, the Religiosity and Spirituality Scale for Youth (RSSY) emerged in 2011. Developed by Brittany C. Hernandez, with valuable contributions from collaborators like Sian Cotton and Meghan E. McGrady, the RSSY sought to fill a critical gap in research tools. Existing measures often proved unsuitable for teenagers, lacking developmental sensitivity and failing to capture the diverse ways youth experience these concepts.
The RSSY aimed to overcome these limitations by creating a psychometrically sound, comprehensive measure specifically designed for youth aged 9-17. Through meticulous item development and rigorous testing, the scale captured two distinct yet interconnected dimensions: Faith-based Coping and Religious Social Support/Activities. The former assesses how young people turn to their beliefs and practices for comfort and guidance in challenging times, while the latter examines their involvement in religious communities and activities.
This innovative approach allows researchers and professionals working with youth to gain deeper insights into the multifaceted tapestry of religiosity and spirituality in their lives. The RSSY has found valuable applications in diverse settings, aiding research on adolescent development and well-being, exploring the connections between religion/spirituality and mental health, and informing educational and clinical interventions supporting young people facing various challenges. By offering a nuanced understanding of these influential aspects of youth experience, the RSSY continues to pave the way for more effective support and positive development in younger generations.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the necessary materials: You’ll need the official RSSY questionnaire, which can be found in the original research paper by Brittany C. Hernandez (2011) or in online versions with permission. You’ll also need answer sheets or a digital administration platform if preferred.
- Prepare the testing environment: Choose a quiet, private space with minimal distractions. Ensure participants feel comfortable and secure.
- Gather participant information: Note down basic information like age, gender, and any relevant background details.
- Provide clear instructions: Briefly explain the purpose of the questionnaire and assure anonymity and confidentiality. Explain the response format, usually a Likert scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.”
- Read each item aloud: Clearly and slowly read each statement on the questionnaire. Allow sufficient time for participants to comprehend and answer each item.
- Answer questions: If participants have any questions about specific items, clarify without influencing their responses.
- Monitor progress: Observe participants during the process. If they seem confused or uncomfortable, pause and address their concerns.
Reliability and Validity
The Religiosity and Spirituality Scale for Youth (RSSY) has undergone thorough investigation in terms of its reliability and validity, making it a valuable tool for assessing these concepts in young people. Here’s a breakdown of its psychometric strengths:
- Internal Consistency: Strong Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for both sub-scales (Faith-based Coping: 0.84-0.90; Religious Social Support/Activities: 0.80-0.87) indicate consistent responses within each dimension.
- Test-Retest Reliability: Moderate correlations found between scores obtained at different time points (around 0.60-0.70) suggest the RSSY measures relatively stable constructs over time.
- Content Validity: Item development involved careful consideration of existing literature and consultation with adolescents, ensuring the scale covers relevant aspects of religiosity and spirituality for this age group.
- Construct Validity: Factor analysis confirmed the two proposed sub-scales are distinct yet correlate, supporting the theoretical model underlying the RSSY.
- Convergent Validity: Correlations with other established measures of religiosity and spirituality were found, indicating the RSSY captures similar constructs.
- Discriminant Validity: The RSSY demonstrated differentiation from unrelated constructs like personality traits, suggesting it measures specific aspects of religion and spirituality.
Limitations:
- The initial validation studies primarily involved Caucasian Christian youth, requiring further testing for diverse populations.
- While reliable and valid, the scale cannot capture the full complexity and personal nuances of individual religious and spiritual experiences.
Available Versions
37-Items
Reference
Hernandez, B. C. (2011). The religiosity and spirituality scale for youth: development and initial validation. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RSSY?
The RSSY is a psychometric tool designed to assess religiosity and spirituality in teenagers aged 9-17.
Who developed the RSSY?
The main author is Brittany C. Hernandez, but other researchers like Sian Cotton and Meghan E. McGrady contributed to its development and refinement.
What are the benefits of using the RSSY?
The RSSY provides researchers and professionals with valuable insights into how religion and spirituality impact young people’s lives. It can inform research on adolescent development and well-being, explore connections between religion/spirituality and mental health, and guide educational and clinical interventions for youth.
Who can administer the RSSY?
Ideally, someone with training in adolescent development and research methods, particularly regarding sensitive topics like religion and spirituality.
Where can I find the RSSY questionnaire?
The original research paper by Brittany C. Hernandez (2011) or online versions with permission.
What specific instructions should I follow when administering the RSSY?
Provide clear instructions, ensure participant anonymity, read items aloud, answer questions without influencing responses, and monitor progress for any concerns.
Is the RSSY a reliable measure?
Yes, it has strong internal consistency and moderate test-retest reliability, indicating consistent responses within each dimension and relatively stable scores over time.
Is the RSSY a valid measure?
Yes, it demonstrates content, construct, convergent, and discriminant validity, suggesting it captures relevant constructs, aligns with the theoretical model, correlates with other established measures, and differentiates from unrelated concepts.
Are there any limitations to the RSSY?
Initial validation primarily involved Caucasian Christian youth, so further testing in diverse populations is needed. It also cannot capture the full complexity of individual religious and spiritual experiences.
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