A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Attending Religious Schools and Religiosity on Black and Hispanic
Academic Achievement
Key Takeaway: Religious schooling and personal religious commitment positively impact academic
achievement and school-related behavior for African American and Hispanic students.
Abstract
Using meta-analysis, this study sought to determine the effects of religious schooling and personal
religious commitment on African American and Hispanic students’ academic achievement. The results
indicate that religious schooling and religious commitment each have a positive effect on academic
achievement and school-related behavior. In the case of religious schooling, the effect sizes that
emerged for religious schooling tended to be larger for older children. The effect sizes for religious
schooling were evenlarger for school-related behavior thanthey were for academic achievement. The
significance of these results is discussed.
Exploring a Hidden Form of Minority Status: College Students' Religious Affiliation and Well-Being
Key Takeaway: College students with religious affiliations have better well-being than those without
affiliation, and engaging in religious activities and attending institutions with inclusive religious climates
contribute to greater gains.
Abstract
Despite the importance of religion in many college students' lives, little is known about how religious
affiliation is associated with student growth and development. This study examines the relationship
between college students' religious affiliations and well-being using a longitudinal sample of 14,527
students at 136 institutions. Analyses show that students who do not identify with any religious
affiliation have reduced well-being compared with mainline Christian students. Moreover, engaging in
religious activities and attending an institution with an inclusive religious climate are associated with
greater gains in well-being. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
The Relationship Between Spirituality, Health and Life Satisfaction of Undergraduate Students in the UK:
An Online Questionnaire Study
Key Takeaway: Higher spirituality scores in undergraduate students in the UK are associated with better
health and life satisfaction, with significant differences across colleges, ethnicity, and religious belief.
Abstract
US students with higher spirituality scores report better health and life satisfaction. This is the first UK
study to explore the relationship between spirituality, health and life satisfaction of undergraduate
students. Over 500 undergraduates completed an online questionnaire. Significant differences in
spirituality score were present across college, ethnicity and religious belief. There appears to be a desire
for spirituality amongst many students. Universities have a role to play in supporting students’ search
for meaning and purpose. Additional research is warranted to further understand the role of spirituality
in the health and well-being of undergraduates.
