Abstract
The Spirituality Orientation Inventory (SOI; Elkins et al., 1988) is a multidimensional measure of humanistic spirituality—i.e., spirituality that is not necessarily related to religion or to a religious context. The theory-based SOI has nine scales focusing on cognitive, experiential, and affective aspects of spirituality: (1) Transcendent dimension, (2) Meaning and purpose in life, (3) Mission in life, (4) Sacredness of life, (5) Material value, (6) Altruism, (7) Idealism, (8) Awareness of the tragic, and (9) Fruits of spirituality. This chapter presents the underlying theoretical assumptions and development of the SOI. Based on a review of over 20 peer-reviewed publications of empirical research using the SOI, this review focuses on the use of subscale scores, scale versions, response scale format, and translations, as well as reports of scale reliabilities and first-order and second-order factor structures followed by a critique of the measure. The lack of psychometric research on the SOI and the very fine distinctions between some of the nine scales is discussed. Finally, multicultural applications of SOI are discussed. In summary, the SOI is a reliable, valid, and useful multidimensional measure of spirituality with strong points as well as limitations. The careful researcher can make an informed choice as to use of the SOI in empirical spirituality research.
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Notes
- 1.
Reprinted with the gracious permission of David Elkins.
- 2.
Refs. Bouso et al. (2012); Elkins et al. (1988); Hammond (2002); Hardy and Kirkpatrick (2017); Janicke and Ramasubramanian (2017); Kretzer et al. (2007); Lazar (2009, 2010, 2014, 2016a); Lowis et al. (2005); MacDonald (2000); Morris (2001); Palmer and Braud (2002); Prior and Quinn (2010); Rush (2000); Sherman (1997); Smith (1995); Smith and Broida (2007); Tloczynski et al. (1997); Vávra et al. (2017); Vivat (2008); Zainuddin (1993a, 1993b) are empirical studies using the SOI.
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Refs. Bouso et al. (2012); Elkins et al. (1988); Hammond (2002); Hardy and Kirkpatrick (2017); Janicke and Ramasubramanian (2017); Kretzer et al. (2007); Lazar (2009, 2010, 2014, 2016a); Lowis et al. (2005); MacDonald (2000); Morris (2001); Palmer and Braud (2002); Prior and Quinn (2010); Rush (2000); Sherman (1997); Smith (1995); Smith and Broida (2007); Tloczynski et al. (1997); Vávra et al. (2017); Vivat (2008); Zainuddin (1993a, 1993b) are empirical studies using the SOI.
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Acknowledgements
I would like to express my thanks to Prof. David Elkins. Years ago, he graciously provided me with his measure and encouraged me to use it in my research efforts on Jewish samples. In addition, he gave his permission to include the SOI items in this chapter.
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Appendix
Appendix
1.1 Spirituality Orientation Inventory (SOI)
Instructions:
This questionnaire contains statements related to spirituality. Read each statement and decide how intensely you agree or disagree with the statement. Then circle ONLY ONE NUMBER on the seven-point answer scale to indicate how intensely you agree or disagree with the statement. Answer as honestly as possible and give only your own opinion in regard to each statement. Please try to answer EVERY ITEM.
Intensely disagree | Intensely agree | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Transcendent Dimension
Long SOI | Short SOI | Item |
|---|---|---|
1 | There is a transcendent, spiritual dimension to life | |
10 | I know how to contact the transcendent, spiritual dimension | |
19 | I have had experiences in which I felt very close to the transcendent, spiritual dimension | |
28 | I have had transcendent, spiritual experiences in which l felt almost unbearable delight and joy | |
37 | 18 | I have had transcendent, spiritual experiences which seem almost impossible to put into words |
46 | I have had transcendent, spiritual experiences in which l felt deeply and intimately loved by something greater than I | |
54 | 27 | I have had transcendent, spiritual experiences in which I “let go” and surrendered my life to something higher |
61 | I have had transcendent, spiritual experiences in which I felt an unusual oneness with, and acceptance of, the universe | |
67 | I have had transcendent, spiritual experiences in which deeper aspects of truth seem to have been revealed | |
73 | 35 | I have had transcendent, spiritual experiences in which I felt transformed and ‘reborn’’ into new life |
78 | 38 | I have had transcendent, spiritual experiences in which I was overcome with a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence |
80 | 39 | I have never had a transcendent, spiritual experience.a |
82 | Emotionally healthy people do not have transcendent, spiritual experiences. (R) |
Meaning and Purpose in Life
Long SOI | Short SOI | Item |
|---|---|---|
2 | Whether or not it is always clear to us, the universe is unfolding in a meaningful, purposeful manner | |
11 | 4 | The universe is not yet done but is unfolding in a meaningful way |
20 | The search for meaning and purpose is a worthy quest | |
29 | 13 | Answers can be found when one truly searches for the meaning and purpose of one’s life |
38 | It one has a reason or purpose for which to live, one can bear almost any circumstances | |
47 | My belief that there is a transcendent, spiritual dimension gives meaning to my life | |
55 | 28 | The fact that we ultimately have to die shows that life is meaningless. (R) |
62 | 31 | Even though I may not always understand it, I believe life is deeply meaningful |
68 | I believe people should just enjoy themselves and not worry about such philosophical issues as the meaning of life. (R) | |
74 | 36 | One can find meaning even in suffering, pain, and death |
Mission in Life
Long SOI | Short SOI | Item |
|---|---|---|
3 | When I am old and look back at my life. I want to feel that the world is a little better place because I lived | |
12 | 5 | It is important to search for one’s purpose or mission in life |
21 | 9 | I believe life presents one with a mission to fulfil |
30 | 14 | It is more important to me that I be true to my mission than that I succeed in the eyes of the world |
39 | 19 | I have a sense of personal mission in life; I feel I have a calling to fulfil |
48 | 23 | I am personally devoted to what I consider to be a meaningful cause |
56 | Humans are sometimes ‘called’ to fulfil a certain spiritual destiny | |
63 | I have either found or am searching for my mission in life | |
69 | All I really want from a job is an excellent income so that I can live well and enjoy what money can buy. (R) |
Sacredness of Life
Long SOI | Short SOI | Item |
|---|---|---|
4 | 1 | Even such activities as eating, work, and sex have a sacred dimension to them |
13 | I do not divide life into sacred and secular; I believe all of life is infused with sacredness | |
22 | I have experienced a sense of awe that love between family members can be so deep and special | |
31 | I often experience a sense of awe about the specialness of human beings | |
40 | I have never felt a sense of sacredness. (R) | |
49 | 24 | Nature often inspires in me a solemn sense of awe and reverence |
57 | 29 | I believe it is a mistake to attach sacredness only to religious places, objects, and activities |
64 | To be honest. I almost never experience a sense of sacredness about anything. (R) | |
70 | In our modem, scientific world we should stop believing in such unscientific ideas as “sacredness”. (R) | |
75 | Nonreligious people who think of themselves as being spiritual are deceiving themselves (R) | |
79 | Religious people are more spiritual than nonreligious people. (R) | |
81 | Spirituality means being part of a church or temple and actively participating in religious activities. (R) | |
83 | 40 | I often experience feelings of awe, reverence, and gratitude even in nonreligious settings |
84 | 41 | I often experience feelings of awe and gratitude in regard to my close friendships |
85 | Persons who talk of life being ‘sacred’ seem a little strange to me; I simply do not experience life in that way. (R) |
Material Value
Long SOI | Short SOI | Item |
|---|---|---|
5 | My primary goal in life is to become financially secure. (R) | |
14 | 6 | It is much more important to pursue spiritual goals than to pursue money and possessions |
23 | 10 | While money and possessions are important to me, I gain my deepest satisfaction from spiritual factors |
32 | 15 | Ultimately, the sole pursuit of money and possessions win leave one empty and unfulfilled |
41 | 20 | I have a spiritual hunger which money and possessions do not satisfy |
50 | 25 | If l had to choose between being rich or being spiritual. I would choose to be rich. (R) |
Altruism
Long SOI | Short SOI | Item |
|---|---|---|
6 | 2 | I feel a strong identification with all humanity |
15 | I seldom show my love for humanity through action. (R) | |
24 | I do not feel any sense of responsibility to humanity. (R) | |
33 | 16 | I feel a deep love for an humanity |
42 | 21 | I am often overcome with feelings of compassion for human beings |
51 | People who know me would say I am very loving and reach out to help others | |
58 | Generally, I value love and cooperation more than competitiveness |
Idealism
Long SOI | Short SOI | Item |
|---|---|---|
7 | When I see “what is” I have visions of “what can be” | |
16 | 7 | In spite of all, I continue to have a deep, positive belief in humanity |
25 | 11 | I believe the human spirit is powerful and will win in the end |
34 | I truly believe that one person can make a difference | |
43 | Idealists are usually just romantic neurotics. (R) | |
52 | 26 | While there is much evil in the world, I believe goodness, integrity and love also abound |
59 | I believe humans have great potential for goodness and love | |
65 | 32 | There is no hope for the human race. (R) |
71 | 33 | I am very cynical about the human race. (R) |
76 | It is good to dream of what can be and to ‘build castles in the air’ |
Awareness of the Tragic
Long SOI | Short SOI | Item |
|---|---|---|
8 | 3 | While one should not overdo it or become morbid, I think it is good for us to be aware of pain, suffering, and death |
17 | I have grown spiritually as a result of pain and suffering | |
26 | 12 | I am a better person today because of life experiences which at the time were very painful |
35 | While we all must die, I believe it is better not to think much about this fact. (R)a | |
44 | 22 | It seems pain and suffering are often necessary to make us examine and reorient our lives |
Fruits of Spirituality
Long SOI | Short SOI | Item |
|---|---|---|
9 | Our highest good lies in harmoniously adjusting ourselves to the transcendent, spiritual dimension | |
18 | 8 | Contact with the transcendent, spiritual dimension has given me a sense of personal power and confidence |
27 | I believe that alcoholics, drug addicts, and others whose lives are out of control can be helped through contact with the transcendent, spiritual dimension | |
36 | 17 | Contact with the transcendent, spiritual dimension has helped reduce my personal stress level |
45 | Contact with the transcendent, spiritual dimension has enhanced my physical health | |
53 | Contact with the transcendent, spiritual dimension has enhanced my emotional health | |
60 | 30 | Contact with the transcendent, spiritual dimension has deepened my relationships with others |
66 | Contact with the transcendent, spiritual dimension has helped me to feel closer to my ‘Higher Power’ | |
72 | 34 | Contact with the transcendent, spiritual dimension has helped me to sort out what is really valuable in life from what is not |
77 | 37 | Contact with the transcendent, spiritual dimension gives me optimism and energy to live life wholeheartedly |
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Lazar, A. (2021). The Spiritual Orientation Inventory (SOI): A Multidimensional Measure of Humanistic Spirituality. In: Ai, A.L., Wink, P., Paloutzian, R.F., Harris, K.A. (eds) Assessing Spirituality in a Diverse World. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52140-0_11
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