Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Melody Moore

Abstract

Researchers have explored the subject of belongingness for decades. However, there is limited research on how belongingness may change for African Americans who transitioned from traditional Christianity to other spiritual practices. In this study, the relationship changes (in terms of family, friends, significant others, and former church relationships) of African Americans who identify as spiritual but not religious (SBNR) after leaving traditional Christianity were explored. The theoretical framework of the social connectedness theory was used to explore the need for belongingness to avoid social isolation and loneliness within a social network. Six African American Generation Xers, four women and two men, who were once active in the traditional Christian church were interviewed. The resulting data were analyzed using Moustakas’s phenomenological research approach. The findings of the study revealed all participants encountered changes and challenges in one or more interpersonal relationships. Most participants experienced disapproval from their mothers. The quantity of relationships decreased while the quality of social connections increased. Although most participants experienced mild feelings of loneliness and social isolation due to the limited number of Blacks identifying as SBNR, all participants were committed to their current spiritual practices with no regrets. The participant with the most support in all relationship categories experienced the greatest sense of social connectedness. Positive social change implications include increased knowledge of shared experiences among other Black Americans leaving Christianity that may be used to help mental health professionals support their clients in similar situations.

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