Graduation Semester and Year

2009

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Joan Rycraft

Abstract

Research has shown that exposure to domestic violence can have adverse developmental outcomes for adolescents. Several protective factors have been identified in the research literature as promoting resilience with at-risk youth. Recently spirituality as a potential protective factor has received attention. The current phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of fourteen adolescents-who had been exposed to domestic violence-to answer the following questions: 1) How do adolescents define spirituality? 2) In what ways does spirituality serve as a protective factor for adolescents exposed to domestic violence? In the current study, both traditional and non-traditional definitions of spirituality emerged. Spirituality appeared to be a source of strength for the participants and manifested itself in numerous ways, including having a sense of purpose and a positive attitude.

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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