Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2009
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
We report psychometric properties, correlates and underlying theory of the Spiritual Modeling Index of Life Environments (SMILE), a measure of perceptions of spiritual models, defined as everyday and prominent people who have functioned for respondents as exemplars of spiritual qualities, such as compassion, self-control, or faith. Demographic, spiritual, and personality correlates were examined in an ethnically diverse sample of college students from California, Connecticut, and Tennessee (N=1010). A summary measure of model influence was constructed from perceived models within family, school, religious organization, and among prominent individuals from both tradition and media. The SMILE, based on concepts from Bandura's (1986) Social Cognitive Theory, was well-received by respondents. The summary measure demonstrated good 7-week test/retest reliability (r=.83); patterns of correlation supporting convergent, divergent, and criterion-related validity; demographic differences in expected directions; and substantial individual heterogeneity. Implications are discussed for further research and for pastoral, educational, and health-focused interventions.
Recommended Citation
Oman, Doug, Carl E. Thoresen, Crystal L. Park, Phillip R. Shaver, Ralph W. Hood, and Thomas G. Plante. "How Does One Become Spiritual? The Spiritual Modeling Inventory of Life Environments (SMILE)." Mental Health, Religion & Culture 12.5 (2009): 427-56.
Included in
Christianity Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Other Religion Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons
Comments
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Mental Health, Religion & Culture on July 2009, http://doi.org/10.1080/13674670902758257