Faith and Formation: College Student Experiences in Building Up Self-Identity through Faith-Based Activities

Abegay S. Arroyo¹, Jenny Rose C. De Chavez, Rpm²,
Mary Zsheina G. Imbang, Rpm³, Rey Benjie D. Lizano⁴
Dr. Jerson L. Mariño⁵, Francin Yshin C. Silva⁶
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3861-6309¹,https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7121-1178², https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3779-3435³, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5386-2716⁴, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6584-9249⁵, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3995-6441⁶
abegayarroyo@gmail.com¹, ennyrosedechavez467@gmail.com², Imbangmaryzsheina@gmail.com³, lizanoreybenjie@gmail.com⁴, jerson.marino@ub.edu.ph⁵, silvafrancinyshin@gmail.com⁶
University of Batangas – Lipa City Campus^1-6
Governor, Feliciano Road, Levitown, Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54476/ioer-imrj/694268

ABSTRACT

Self-identity formation is a critical developmental task among college students, particularly as they navigate academic, personal, and social challenges. Despite the recognized importance of holistic development, spiritual growth is often underemphasized within educational settings. This study explored the role of faith-based activities in shaping the self-identity of college students in the Philippines. Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, the study involved ten college students from Batangas who were actively engaged in church ministries and spiritual practices, selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Findings revealed that faith-based activities strengthen spiritual discipline, enhance self-awareness, foster emotional resilience, and promote a sense of belonging and moral clarity. Participation in spiritual communities also supported students in coping with academic stress and identity-related challenges. The study highlights the value of integrating faith-based or faith-sensitive initiatives into student development programs to promote holistic growth. Future research is recommended to examine the role of spirituality in identity formation across diverse cultural and religious contexts.

Keywords: Faith-based activities, self-identity formation, spiritual growth, resilience, emotional well-being, personal development, college students, higher education, Philippines.

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