Religion as a Source of Well-Being: Implications for Second-Level School Programs in Ireland and Beyond

Internationally, student well-being is emerging as a core concern in the field of education. This article articulates an interdisciplinary perspective on well-being and examines the relationship between religion and well-being as advanced by three recent international studies. It highlights the relationship between religion and spiritual development (as a dimension of well-being). The second part of the article provides a brief outline of second level education in the Republic of Ireland before turning to the potential of religious education to address the well-being concern at the heart of the new Irish Junior Cycle. With recourse to this practical illustration, it proposes religious education as a resource for student well-being.