Date of Conferral

8-19-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Susan Marcus

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has been extensively studied in childhood and, more recently, in adulthood. However, little is known about how adults with FASD experience faith formation and spirituality. Spirituality has been recognized as a coping resource that promotes resilience and psychological well-being, yet these experiences remain largely unexplored among adults with FASD. The purpose of this study was to explore how adults with FASD describe their faith formation and spiritual experiences. Two research questions guided the study: How do adults with FASD describe their faith formation? and How do adults with FASD describe their spiritual experiences? James Fowler's Faith Development Theory served as the conceptual framework. Using a generic qualitative design, data were collected through interviews utilizing Fowler's Faith Development Research Manual and the Life Tapestry Exercise. Participants included nine adults with FASD, ages 19 to 72, from across North America. Findings demonstrated variability in faith development across both overall stage orientation and aspect-level functioning. Thematic analysis identified five primary themes and one contextual theme, revealing that participants described spirituality as a source of restoration, identity, relational safety, and meaning-making despite challenges related to memory, emotional regulation, concentration, and abstract reasoning. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the spiritual lives of adults with FASD and have implications for faith communities, practitioners, and support networks seeking to foster resilience, belonging, and improved quality of life.

Download

Share

 
COinS