Date of Conferral

5-14-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Chet Lesniak

Abstract

I explored the role of spirituality and self-image in the healing processes of adult women who have experienced sexual abuse. Using trauma theory as a guiding framework, I sought to understand how survivors engage with spirituality to reconstruct their identities and navigate their recovery. I aimed to contribute to the growing body of literature on trauma recovery by offering insights into the ways survivors integrate spiritual practices and self-perceptions to foster resilience. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to capture the lived experiences of 12 women who had experienced sexual abuse and engaged with spirituality as a coping mechanism. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data, following Braun and Clarke’s (2024) six-step framework and explained by Byrne (2022). The findings revealed four key themes: (a) spiritual practices as strength and connection to God and purpose; (b) emotional struggles, redefining identity, and the journey toward healing; (c) divine love as transformation, redemption, and renewed perspective; and (d) supportive relationships foster healing and resilience. The participants described spirituality as a stabilizing force that facilitated emotional regulation, reframed trauma through meaning-making, mitigated struggles with identity and self-worth, and fostered resilience through divine love and social support. The results suggest that clinicians working with trauma survivors should consider the role of spirituality in therapeutic interventions, particularly as a means of fostering emotional stability and cognitive restructuring. By identifying pathways to healing through spiritual engagement and supportive relationships, this research contributes to positive social change, fostering hope and amplifying survivor voices.

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