"Childhood Religious Participation as Mediator for Posttraumatic Sympto" by Kara S. McCoy

Date of Conferral

2-1-2025

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Edoardo Naggiar

Abstract

Individuals who have experienced trauma may have varying life experience outcomes based on trauma histories and other factors. Little to no study has been done to determine whether childhood religious involvement can be a mediating factor. The purpose of this quantitative study was to test if any potential mediating effects exist between childhood religious attendance, the presence of joyfulness in life, and adult posttraumatic symptoms. The theoretical framework utilized in this study was Kenneth Pargament’s theory of religious coping. Data were collected in a secure fashion utilizing Survey Monkey, and all participants voluntarily answered questions that utilized the short posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rating instrument self-reporting tool, the joyful disposition scale, and two specific questions from the American general social survey which identified the frequency of attendance of religious services. All these measures are Likert-style questionnaires that determine the likelihood of the behaviors noted. Data were collected from a total of 262 respondents from a variety of ages, backgrounds, and locations in the United States; 246 responses were used for analysis. Upon the final study, there was no statistically significant data showing childhood religious attendance is beneficial as a mediator against PTSD symptoms. However, data analysis did show a positive correlation between childhood religious attendance and having a joyful disposition as an adult. Any positive support identified can help therapists be informed to potentially increase the quality of life of individuals who are seeking help with PTSD symptoms, which can have implications for positive social change.

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