Development and validation of a measure of spiritual fortitude.

Abstract

In this article, we develop and validate a measure of spiritual fortitude (SF). SF is defined as a character trait enabling people to endure and make redemptive meaning from adversity through their sacred connections with God, others, and themselves. Method: First, we summarize its conceptual distinctions from related constructs such as grit, hardiness, and resilience. Then, in three independent studies (N ϭ 1,104), we provide evidence for a three-factor SF Scale (SFS-9), consisting of subscales labeled Spiritual Endurance, Spiritual Enterprise, and Redemptive Purpose. Results: In Study 1 (N ϭ 410), an exploratory factor analysis revealed three SFS-9 subscales, each of which demonstrated evidence of internal consistency. Study 2 (N ϭ 393) confirmed this factor structure on a separate sample and provided additional evidence for internal consistency. In Study 3 (N ϭ 301), we present evidence of its discriminant, convergent, and incremental validity. SFS-9 scores predicted variance in meaning in life, spiritual well-being, religious coping, and adversity-related anxiety, above and beyond the contribution of grit and resilience. Conclusions: Spiritual fortitude appears to be a useful construct in understanding the process of adjusting to, and thriving, in the midst of adversity, suffering, and trauma. Future hypotheses and research directions are provided to catalyze work in this new area of inquiry. Clinical Impact StatementUnderstanding the role of spiritual fortitude in responding to adversity should help clinicians work with clients who have endured trauma or distress draw from their spiritual resources and potentially find meaning in the wake of suffering.

Perceived and actual posttraumatic growth in religiousness and spirituality following disasters

“…The SFS‐9 uses a 5‐point Likert scale (ranging from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree ). Two example items are “My faith helps me withstand difficulties” and “I find meaning in adversity through Sacred connections.” Prior studies have supported the SFS‐9's relationships with grit, resilience, meaning in life, and spiritual well‐being (Van Tongeren et al, 2019). In the current study, alphas for SFS‐9 total scores were .89 at T1 and .90 at T2.…”

“…We used the 9‐item Spiritual Fortitude Scale (SFS‐9; Van Tongeren et al, 2019) to assess spiritual fortitude. The SFS‐9 uses a 5‐point Likert scale (ranging from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree ).…”

“…Second, most extant research on R/S PTG (e.g., Boals et al, 2019; Perera & Frazier, 2013) has assessed R/S using either a measure of religious commitment or the R/S items from the PTGI/PTGI‐SF or C‐PTGI/C‐PTGI‐SF. We will use the R/S items from the PTGI‐SF and C‐PTGI‐SF but will also assess trait‐based facets of religiousness/spirituality that might reasonably change after a disaster: (a) spiritual fortitude (i.e., “a character trait enabling people to endure and make redemptive meaning from adversity through their sacred connections with God, others, and themselves,” Van Tongeren et al, 2019, p. 588), (b) religious motivations/orientations, and (c) religious beliefs about suffering. In so doing, we will test the relationship between perceived R/S PTG (assessed by the R/S items on the PTGI‐SF) and actual R/S PTG (assessed by R/S items of the C‐PTGI‐SF and by measures of spiritual fortitude, religious motivations, and religious beliefs).…”

Spiritually Oriented Expressive Writing and Promoting Positive Outcomes After a Natural Disaster

“…Counselors seeing clients who view R/S as a primary method for finding meaning in life have the advantage of using tailored R/S interventions (e.g., writing about one’s relationship with God) to help bolster meaning making, as well as develop spiritual fortitude and resiliency (McElroy-Heltzel, Van Tongeren, et al, 2018). Additionally, the concept of spiritual fortitude (e.g., ability to access a spiritual power to bolster their resources and strengthen perseverance) appears to warrant more empirical attention in terms of how people cope with difficulties and hardships (Van Tongeren et al, 2019). For example, future research could focus on how individuals develop spiritual fortitude and what life experiences or factors might impact its development.…”

Factors Contributing to Student Fortitude in Distance Learning (Descriptive Study at AKPER Giri Satria Husada Wonogiri)

“…The questionnaire instrument with a Likert scale was used to capture research data including a student ability questionnaire with 6 statement items, a learning facilities questionnaire with 6 (six) statements, a questionnaire for various media applications with 5 (five) statements, a lecturer teaching method instrument with 6 statements, and an instrument. student tenacity level with 6 statements [11]. Data analysis used SEM analysis with warp PLS.…”