Abstract
Background. Adolescence is a critical period marked by biological, cognitive, and existential transformations, at the center of which lies the identity crisis. While conventional psychological approaches often emphasize individual, familial, and social factors, the profound role of spirituality as an internal resource for meaning-making and identity formation remains underexplored.This article aims to reframe the role of spirituality in adolescent identity development—not merely as a supportive or stress-reducing factor, but as a fundamental substrate for organizing identity experiences and transforming identity confusion into an opportunity for inner growth.
Results: Spirituality provides an internal compass rooted in innate human inclinations toward meaning, goodness, and perfection. During adolescence, this inner guidance becomes more active. Recognizing spirituality as a “meaning-structuring” force rather than just a “harm-reducing” tool can help adolescents experience identity crises as natural and meaningful parts of their development. This perspective has significant implications for mental health interventions, educational systems, and healthcare models, calling for safe spaces to explore existential and spiritual questions.
Conclusion: A paradigm shift is needed in adolescent health models—integrating spirituality as a core component of identity development, not just an adjunct variable. Acknowledging adolescents’ spiritual search can enhance psychological validation, self-efficacy, and transformative growth.