Study suggests students change religious views through college

A recent study conducted by UCLA professors found that many students struggle with their religious beliefs and identity throughout their college years.

Beginning in 2003, the study surveyed 112,000 college freshmen across the country, and then did a follow up study with 14,000 of those students after they had completed their junior year.

The study also found that the students chose not to focus on practicing the traditions of organized religion, but instead became more “spiritual.” The researchers defined this as asking existential questions, helping to improve the surrounding community and showing empathy toward others.

Researchers discovered that students who were more spiritual had stronger academic performance and leadership abilities, and were generally more satisfied with college life.

Reverend Jim Burklo, associate dean of the Office of Religious Life at USC, said that his experience working on a college campus is similar to the findings of this study.

“The job of higher education is to activate the imagination,” Burklo told the Los Angeles Times. “The moral imagination is a part of that.”