Spirituality in Social Work Practice With Young College Students: A Validation Study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to make an adaptation of the Spirituality Measurement Scale into Turkish to evaluate the spirituality of clients for social workers. Methods: A total of 385 students from the Department of Social Work at Ankara University, were included in the research. The online survey method was used as a data collection method. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a 5-factor model with 38 items similar to the original study. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found as 0.919 and test-retest reliability was 0.868 in this study. Also, concurrent validity analysis results confirmed that higher spirituality is associated with more positive life orientation and higher life satisfaction. Discussion: This study suggests that the Turkish Spirituality Measurement Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool to be used in the social work field. Spirituality can be evaluated in the field of mental health in youth welfare.