Spiritual Intelligence in Relation to Character Strengths and Coping Strategies among Adolescents

In the present study, Spiritual Intelligence and its correlates were examined among adolescents in order to gain insight into the profile of spiritually intelligent adolescents. Since spirituality can be a protective factor at the tender age of adolescence, a need was felt to envisage the present study. For this purpose, 75 young adults were administered Spiritual Intelligence Self report Inventory (King, 2008), Coping Strategies Inventory (Tobin et al.,1989) and Brief Strengths Test (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). Intercorrelation analysis of all the variables and multiple regression analysis of character strengths on spiritual intelligence yielded some significant positive results. Engagement coping strategy shared a significant positive association with Spiritual Intelligence (p<.01). Among character strengths, Spirituality, Gratitude, Self control, Love, Bravery (p<.01), Appreciation of beauty, Optimism, Leadership, Forgiveness, Social intelligence, Kindness, Love of learning, Curiosity, and Critical thinking (p<.05) emerged as significant contributors of Spiritual Intelligence. Only Humor shared a negative association with S.I. Therefore, the findings of this study can be used to foster programmes on spiritual intelligence and its development by incorporating exercises for strength building and engagement coping mechanisms.