Factors That Affect The Faith Identity Development Of Evangelical Christian College Students

There is a decided lack of research regarding the faith identity development of evangelical Christian college students within the secular, four-year, public institution. Knowledge of significant events that influence faith identity development is critical to direct practice within the field of student development. In the fall of 2003, 10 college seniors participated in open-ended interviews. This qualitative study identifies key areas of the challenge and support of student' s evangelical Christian faith identitydevelopment. Various subcategories emerged within the broader areas of challenge and support as experienced by evangelical Christian students at one southeastern, comprehensive, public institution. Careful examination and interpretation of the interview responses revealed the liberal atmosphere, exposure to new and diverse ways of thinking, and peer relationships as some of the most salient issues affecting evangelical Christian faith identity development. The findings of this study generate practical applications for practitioners and a number of implications for future research.