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Effectiveness of a Psycho-pedagogical Intervention on Spiritual Intelligence, Happiness, and Spiritual Well-being for Primary School Children: A Non-randomized Controlled Trial

Author

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  • Ina Grasmane

    (Daugavpils University)

  • Anita Pipere

    (Daugavpils University)

  • Vitālijs Raščevskis

    (Daugavpils University)

Abstract

This experimental study aimed to determine the effect of psycho-pedagogical intervention on spiritual intelligence, happiness, and spiritual well-being of primary school students in Latvia. Three measurements (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three month follow up) were administered for 83 children (n = 41 experimental group; n = 42 control group). The experimental group participated in intervention sessions that met once per week for 10 weeks. The results indicated that participation in the intervention programme led to a statistically significant increase in spiritual intelligence, happiness, and spiritual well-being in the experimental group compared to the control group. The intervention had the most significant effect on spiritual intelligence and spiritual well-being. Gender differences in spiritual intelligence, spiritual well-being, and happiness were softened after the intervention. The effectiveness of the intervention was consistent between all participants in the experimental group, regardless of the frequency of church attendance. Children who occasionally attended church showed slightly higher improvements in both groups, although not statistically significant. The given study not only validated the effect of the designed programme for primary school students, but also showed that the given intervention can improve spiritual intelligence, happiness and spiritual well-being irrespective of gender or church attendance. Integrating spiritual development into the primary school curriculum nurtures a harmonious and mentally healthy personality, which is one of the main goals of education.

Suggested Citation

  • Ina Grasmane & Anita Pipere & Vitālijs Raščevskis, 2025. "Effectiveness of a Psycho-pedagogical Intervention on Spiritual Intelligence, Happiness, and Spiritual Well-being for Primary School Children: A Non-randomized Controlled Trial," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-024-00844-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00844-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roberto Baiocco & Valeria Verrastro & Lilybeth Fontanesi & Matteo Pio Ferrara & Jessica Pistella, 2019. "The Contributions of Self-Esteem, Loneliness, and Friendship to Children’s Happiness: The Roles of Gender and Age," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 12(4), pages 1413-1433, August.
    2. Mark Holder & Ben Coleman & Judi Wallace, 2010. "Spirituality, Religiousness, and Happiness in Children Aged 8–12 Years," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 11(2), pages 131-150, April.
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    5. Mark Holder & Andrea Klassen, 2010. "Temperament and Happiness in Children," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 11(4), pages 419-439, August.
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