Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Andrew Carpenter
Abstract
Because spirituality or personal value conflicts might arise between social workers and their clients, the purpose of the study was to understand personal and spirituality value conflicts. The theoretical framework for this study was adult transformative learning theory. The research questions examined how the participants described personal and spirituality value conflicts. Data were collected from interviews with two groups from Houston, Texas; Group 1 represented homeless or previously homeless African American women who self-identified as spiritual but nonreligious, and Group 2 represented White licensed master social workers. Researcher responses to the same interview questions were also recorded. Thematic data analysis of in-depth interviews led to the following themes: (a) higher Power/God and religion, (b), religious, (c) different sides/different values on religion versus spirituality, (d) listening, and (e) education and research. The results indicated that personal and spirituality value conflicts might arise between White licensed social workers and African American homeless clients. Recommendations include having a platform for holistic dialogue and critical thinking among social service professionals and marginalized populations, as well as additional research and education for social service professionals. Implications for positive social change include developing culturally sensitive programs and increasing collaborations between social workers and their clients.
Recommended Citation
Kelly, Sophelia Predom, "Spirituality-Based Programs for African American Women" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13026.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13026
