Measuring spiritual, religious, and existential constructs in children: A systematic review of instruments and measurement properties

Sparse knowledge exists about measuring spiritual, religious, and existential (SRE) constructs in children. Well-validated questionnaires measuring such concepts are necessary when researchers want to quantitatively investigate the spiritual lives of children. We aimed to identify questionnaires measuring SRE constructs in children and assess their psychometric properties. We conducted literature searches in four electronic databases. Studies were included if they described the use of a questionnaire measuring SRE constructs in children under 12 years. Systematic data extraction and assessment of the studies using standardized COSMIN guidelines were performed. A total of 17,681 records were screened. Twenty-seven articles assessing 18 different questionnaires met the inclusion criteria. In total, 16 structural validity, 20 internal consistency, 4 measurement invariance, and 16 construct validity studies were found. We identified no high-quality content validity studies. The Meaning in Life in Children Questionnaire by Shoshani and Russo-Netzer showed promising measurement properties. However, all included instruments need further content validity testing before being recommended for use.