Toward a New Measure for Faith and Civic Engagement: Exploring the Structure of the FACE Scale

摘要

Civic and political engagement may encourage individuals to make positive societal contributions and thus act as responsible and productive citizens. A positive relationship between civic/political engagement and the extent of one's faith-based beliefs and behaviors has been the basis for a growing field of research (e.g., Becker & Dhingra, 20013. Becker, P. and Dhingra, P. 2001. Religious involvement and volunteering: Implications for civil society. Sociology of Religion , 62: 315-355. [CrossRef], [Web of Science ®], [CSA]View all references; Chickering, 20064. Chickering, A. W. 2006. Strengthening spirituality and civic engagement in higher education. Journal of College & Character , 8(1): 1-5. View all references; Dalton, 20066. Dalton, J. C. 2006. Community service and spirituality: Integrating faith, service, and social justice at DePaul University. Journal of College & Character , 8(1): 1-9. View all references, King, 200811. King, P. E. 2008. “Spirituality as fertile ground for positive youth development”. In Positive youth development and spirituality: From theory to research , 55-73. West Conshohocken , PA : Templeton Foundation Press. R. M. Lerner, R. W. Roeser, & E. PhelpsView all references; Uslaner, 200218. Uslaner, E. M. 2002. Religion and civic engagement in Canada and the United States. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion , 41(2): 239-254. [CrossRef], [Web of Science ®], [CSA]View all references). Higher education programs that encourage students’ exploration and expression of faith/spirituality may promote a favorable attitude concerning civic engagement (Chickering, 20064. Chickering, A. W. 2006. Strengthening spirituality and civic engagement in higher education. Journal of College & Character , 8(1): 1-5. View all references). Two studies addressed the relationship between civic/political engagement and faith-based perceptions and behaviors among university students (Study 1: n = 762; Study 2: n = 955). Study 1 ran an exploratory factor analysis on a 20-item Faith and Civic Engagement (FACE) scale and Study 2 replicated the factor structure through confirmatory factor analysis. Results identified five reliable and valid subscales: civic engagement, faith life, political importance, (target university) influences spiritual growth, and (target university) influences personal growth. View full textDownload full textRelated var addthis_config = { ui_cobrand: "Taylor & Francis Online", services_compact: "citeulike,netvibes,twitter,technorati,delicious,linkedin,facebook,stumbleupon,digg,google,more", pubid: "ra-4dff56cd6bb1830b" }; Add to shortlist Link Permalink http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15363751003780852