Title:
Spiritual resilience of transgender women: the relationship of spirituality and religion on the gender transition journey
Author:
Brenda D. Ibutu
Thesis Advisor:
Sharon E. Cheston
Committee Member:
Kari O'Grady
Committee Member:
Geraldine Fialkowski
Committee Member:
M. Paz Galupo
Committee Member:
L. Mickey Fenzel
Committee Member:
James J. Buckley
Degree Granting Institution:
Loyola University Maryland--College of Arts and Sciences
Place:
Baltimore (Md.)
Publisher:
Loyola University Maryland
Date Created:
2015
Type of Resource:
text
Genre:
thesis
Language:
eng
Format:
application/pdf
Physical Form:
electronic
Digital Source:
born digital
Abstract:
This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to examine how the spiritual and/or religious journey of male to female transsexual individuals (trans women) related to their transition journey and the formation of their spiritual resilience. Participants consisted of eight trans women residing in the United States who self-identified that spirituality and/or religion plays an active role in their lives. Participants supplied oral and written data about the support systems, particularly spiritual and/or religious, that have given them strength and hope during challenges and peace. All participants identified the entire process of transition as spiritual. Findings suggest that there was integration between their spiritual journey and their gender transition. The results led to the creation of a model for the formation of spiritual resilience in trans women. The findings discussed include internal and external struggles to be their authentic self, the process of self-acceptance, and spiritual and religious coping strategies, such as the use of the Serenity Prayer. Implications for counselor education, supervision, pastoral counseling, and practice as well as ideas for further study are also discussed.
Subject:
Electronic dissertations
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Level:
Doctoral
Discipline:
Pastoral Counseling
Restrictions on Access:
Author has given permission to make this work available online.
Use and Reproduction:
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Identifier:
IbutuBD-15
