The development of spiritual competence training for high school students in Indonesia

This study aims to develop spiritual competence training and test its direct impacts on student’s emotional intelligence and well-being. Previous spiritual concepts and interventions were reviewed to create the most effective spiritual competence for students in Indonesia. To examine the validity of the training outcomes, emotional intelligence and overall well-being were measured. This study employed a within-subject design where participants were assessed before and after the training. The participants were high school students in Makassar, Indonesia. The study was advertised to public and private schools in Makassar, and 40 students were selected for the training. Before participating, participants must submit an informed consent form and a parental consent form for participants under 18 years old. This study found significant differences in emotional intelligence and overall well-being before and after the training. Spiritual competence training could improve students’ emotional intelligence and well-being. This training may benefit students, particularly in improving their spiritual dimensions. Additionally, this study has provided early evidence regarding the effect of spiritual competence training on emotional intelligence and well-being. Some spiritual dimensions can be improved by enriching students’ knowledge and skills. This study is among a few studies that used a competency-based approach to improve students’ spiritual dimensions and further assessed their immediate impacts on students’ emotional intelligence and well-being.