Keywords
family ritual, family prayer, relational processes, qualitative research, parenting, religion
Abstract
In the present article we explore how family prayer reportedly influenced family relationships. We conceptualized family prayer as a family ritual in religious families and used a qualitative methodology to interview a religiously, ethnically, and geographically diverse sample of 198 families (N = 476). Analysis of data revealed 7 related themes. Family prayer served important functions and influenced relationships in various ways including (a) as time of family togetherness and interaction; (b) as a space for social support; and (c) as a means for intergenerational transmission of religion. Further, family prayer (d) involved issues and concerns of individuals and the family; (e) helped reduce relational tensions; (f) provided feelings of connectedness, unity and bonding. Finally, (g) families struggled to pray together when there was disunity. Implication, applications, and future directions are addressed.
Original Publication Citation
*Chelladurai, J. M., Dollahite, D. C., & Marks, L. D. (2018). “The family that prays together”: Relational processes associated with family prayer. Journal of Family Psychology, 32, 849-859.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Chelladurai, Joe M.; Dollahite, David C.; and Marks, Loren D., ""The Family That Prays Together . . .": Relational Processes Associated With Regular Family Prayer" (2018). Faculty Publications. 4836.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/4836
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2018-07-02
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7640
Publisher
Journal of Family Psychology
Language
English
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Family Life
Copyright Status
© 2018 American Psychological Association
Copyright Use Information
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/
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