Positive Relational Transformation in Religious Families: Supports and Catalysts for Meaningful Change

Keywords

religious families, family transformations, positive change

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this article is to qualitatively explore how religion can be a catalyst or support for positive, spontaneous transformations in families and the timing of these transformations.

Background

There is a paucity of empirical literature that discusses how positive change or transformation occurs within families independent of professional intervention. Research has shown that religion can have many positive influences on family relationships, but more research is needed that explores religion and religiosity as a transformative agent in familial relationships.

Method

Using interviews from 198 racially diverse, marriage-based families (N = 476 participants) from Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam), we employed a team-based methodology to code and analyze accounts of positive relational transformation.

Results

Two themes relating to the timing of transformation, gradual and sudden, along with supports and catalysts for these transformations were identified from qualitative data analysis. These themes are presented with supportive illustrations.

Conclusion

For some families, religious experiences did reportedly help inspire and transform their marriages and family relationships.

Implications

This study suggests that religion can lead to positive transformation in families, and thus religion may be an effective tool families, religious leaders, and therapists can use to improve and transform family relationships.

Original Publication Citation

Spencer, A. T., Marks, L. D., & Dollahite, D. C., & Kelley, H. H. (2021). Positive relational transformation in religious families: Supports and catalysts for meaningful change. Family Relations, 70, 1514-1525. doi: 10.1111/fare.12440

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2020-04-16

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8563

Publisher

Family Relations

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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