Spirituality an Untapped Developmental Asset: Implications for School Counseling

This article serves as an introduction to the special issue addressing the intersection of K-12 school counselling and spirituality. A definition of spirituality palpable to public school educators is offered. Drawing from social and psychological constructivism, this perspective of spirituality focuses on the ways children and youth construct meaning and purpose in life, which may or may not have religious connotations. Positive psychology’s conceptual underpinnings and research base are used to briefly explain how student spirituality can be viewed as a developmental asset associated with resiliency. The key stages and features related to spiritual development of schoolage children are summarized. To conclude, four broad-based applications to school counselling practice are explored.