Hannah Kim, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Houghton University, recently published an article in the American Journal of Qualitative Research, an academic journal that focuses on articles relating to various fields of social sciences. Kim’s article centered on the identities of Houghton University students regarding their faith and by extension Christian college students, exploring the various factors that have influenced and shaped them into the people they have become today.

“As a developmental psychologist specializing in identity development in young people, I held a genuine interest in understanding how our Houghton students perceive their religious identities, the struggles they navigate, and how their faith has developed,” said Kim about the reason behind her research. “Additionally, I sought to explore the impact of these faith factors on their overall identity formation as emerging adults within a Christian liberal arts college environment.”

“[Kim’s] research contributes to a growing understanding of identity development, specific to Christian University students, through their lived experiences rather than generalized from a larger group on mixed subjects,” said Ann Monroe-Baillargeon. “Dr. Kim’s research is essential for all faculty and staff at Christian colleges and universities as they seek to support students in their self-understanding and positive identity development.”