An Inquiry into the Relationship Between Spiritual Intelligence and Sexual

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FORMOSA NEWS - Philippines - Spiritual Intelligence Linked to Healthier Sexual Perceptions Among College Students, Philippine Study Finds. Research conducted by Ara R. Justol, Mel Lenosh M. Egar, Raunian Dave S. Bagbag, Winston Jan Philip D. Galarosa, Eljoy L. Linggay, Whilmar B. Porras, and Evan P. Taja-on from San Isidro College, published in the Indonesian Journal of Christian Education and Theology (IJCET) in February 2026, found that college students’ spiritual intelligence has a strong relationship with how they understand issues of sexuality. 

Background: Spirituality and Sexuality in Student Identity
Spirituality refers to a person’s search for meaning, purpose, and connection with something beyond the self. Through spiritual intelligence, individuals develop reflection, empathy, and ethical awareness that guide life decisions. Sexual perception, meanwhile, encompasses how individuals understand gender expression, sexual orientation, and reproductive health key aspects of identity and social relationships. Previous studies tended to treat spirituality and sexuality as unrelated domains. This separation left limited understanding of how inner belief systems influence sexual attitudes and behaviors among young adults. The San Isidro College research responds to this gap by examining both dimensions together within the college context, where identity development is most active.

Method: Survey of 174 College Students
The research employed a descriptive correlational design involving 174 undergraduate students from seven academic departments at San Isidro College in Malaybalay City. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation across programs and year levels.
Data were collected using a validated questionnaire measuring:

• Spiritual intelligence (meaning-making, reflection, empathy, resilience).
• Sexual perceptions (gender expression, sexuality, reproductive health awareness).

Statistical analysis combined descriptive measures with correlation and regression to determine relationships and predictive factors between the variables.

Key Findings: Strong Positive Relationship
The study reports several clear findings:

Students show very high spiritual intelligence

Respondents demonstrated strong reflective ability, sense of purpose, empathy, and ethical awareness in daily life.

Students show very high sexual perception awareness

They displayed open, informed, and respectful understanding of gender diversity, sexuality, and reproductive health.

Spiritual intelligence strongly correlates with sexual perception

The correlation coefficient r = 0.726 (p < 0.001) indicates a strong positive relationship: higher spiritual intelligence aligns with more mature sexual understanding.

Reflection and meaning-making are key predictors
Among spiritual dimensions, the ability to interpret life meaningfully and critically reflect on beliefs most strongly predicted healthy sexual perceptions.

These results indicate that spirituality and sexuality are not separate domains but interconnected through reflective processes shaping values and attitudes.

Implications for Higher Education

The study highlights practical implications for universities and student development programs:

1. Holistic sexuality education - Sexual health education can integrate ethical reflection and personal values alongside biological knowledge.
2. Reflective character formation - Programs that cultivate self-awareness, meaning-making, and belief reflection may foster healthier attitudes toward sexuality.
3. Integrated counseling services - Student guidance can combine spiritual and psychosocial dimensions to support identity development.
4. Inclusive campus dialogue - Open discussion of spirituality and sexuality may reduce stigma and strengthen respect for diversity.

The researchers emphasize that understanding the spirituality–sexuality link helps institutions nurture students who are reflective, responsible, and socially respectful.

Author Profiles

Ara R. Justol, M.A. – Faculty member at San Isidro College specializing in education and student development.

Mel Lenosh M. Egar, M.A. – Lecturer and researcher in youth education and psychosocial development at San Isidro College.

Raunian Dave S. Bagbag, M.A. – Academic researcher focusing on higher education and student welfare.

Winston Jan Philip D. Galarosa, M.A. – Educator and scholar in social and developmental education.

Eljoy L. Linggay, M.A. – Lecturer in character and values education at San Isidro College.

Whilmar B. Porras, M.A. – Researcher in developmental psychology and education.

Evan P. Taja-on, Ph.D. – Professor and researcher at San Isidro College specializing in spirituality and education.

Source
Justol, Ara R., Egar, Mel Lenosh M., Bagbag, Raunian Dave S., Galarosa, Winston Jan Philip D., Linggay, Eljoy L., Porras, Whilmar B., & Taja-on, Evan P. 2026. An Inquiry into the Relationship Between Spiritual Intelligence and Sexual Perceptions of College Students. Indonesian Journal of Christian Education and Theology (IJCET), Vol. 5 No. 1, hlm. 21–30.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijcet.v5i1.3
URL: https://journalijcet.my.id/index.php/ijcet