They first describe common themes within spiritual belief systems and then present a preliminary consideration of the role of spirituality in adolescence. This is followed with a review of research directly related to spirituality in adolescence. The authors also discuss future possibilities for the role of promoting personal spiritual belief systems in preventing violence and optimizing adolescent outcomes. They develop two propositions. First, current programming that is designed to prevent youth violence and/or to promote social competence must allow and support a dialectic in which youth can critically examine and explore their belief systems. Inadvertently, those who work with youth may have created a situation in which they refrain from any discussion of values and higher powers, communicating instead a neutrality of values and a belief that we are accountable only to our own senses of right and wrong. Second, adolescents must be provided with opportunities to develop their personal spiritual belief systems and supportive relationships with others who have similar beliefs. Such opportunities for spiritual development must be included in both academic and applied efforts to prevent violence and promote positive outcomes in youth. 40 references