Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the role of religion in the coping and meaning-making experiences of adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The current study was approached from the constructivist philosophical paradigm. A purposive sample of 21 female childhood sexual abuse survivors was solicited and recruited from a professional listserv of a multifaith organization that is nationally recognized in the area of religion and abuse. Data were primarily collected through semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The data were analyzed using Giorgis Descriptive Phenomenological Method. This particular research strategy was utilized to develop a description of the participants experiences of the impact of religion on their efforts to cope with and make meaning of their abuse experiences. Three major themes emerged from the data: (a) perceived challenges, (b) religious coping, and (c) pathways to resolution. The limitations of the current study as well as implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Jones, Shawntae, "Meaning-Making And Coping Experiences Of Religiously Affiliated Female Sexual Abuse Survivors" (2017). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1669.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1669