“We Have Hope”: An Exploration of Hope in Highly Religious Families

Keywords

family, hope, marriage, parent–child relationships, religion

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore qualitatively the connections among religion, hope, and relationships.

Background

Both hope and religion have often been associated with positive individual and relational outcomes. Some research has found that hope mediates or moderates the relationship between religion and various outcomes. Despite the research that has been done to understand connections between religion and hope, little research has explored these constructs together in a relational context.

Method

Using thematic analysis and a team-based approach, we completed an analysis of in-depth interviews with a large, culturally and religiously diverse strengths-based sample of 198 highly religious families.

Results

Two themes relating to the religious antecedents of hope were identified (religious beliefs and religious practices) as well as two themes that address the application or outcomes of hope (hope in family life and the experience of religious hopes). Several subthemes were also identified and are discussed and illustrated.

Conclusions

For some families, religious beliefs and specific religious practices play an important role in fostering hope, and this hope was reported to enhance various elements of individual and family life.

Implications

Results provide support for integrating religion and hope into various individual and relational therapies.

Original Publication Citation

Kelley, H. H., Hendricks, J. J., Chelladurai, J. M., Dollahite, D. C., & Marks, L. D. (2023). “We have hope”: Exploring hope in highly religious families. Family Relations. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12937

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2023

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

Share

COinS