Author Date

2026-6

Degree Name

Department

Family Life

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Defense Date

2026-04-21

Publication Date

2026-06-16

First Faculty Advisor

Loren D. Marks, PhD

First Faculty Reader

David C. Dollahite, PhD

Honors Coordinator

Jocelyn S. Wikle, PhD

Keywords

Family, religion, Abrahamic Faiths, trust, faith, highly successful marriages, ethnic minorities, diversity

Abstract

This study examined trust among diverse families of Abrahamic faiths across the United States. The 292 families who were part of this national study represent significant religious breadth (over 20 total denominations), geographic scope, and racial diversity, with 51% of the participants being racial/ethnic minorities. Married participants had at least one child. Education levels of participants ranged from G.E.D to Ph.D., with varying socioeconomic statuses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. Couples were hand-chosen by their respective religious leaders as being both relational and religious exemplars.

Using the qualitative responses of participants, a word search was conducted. Responses relevant to trust were found. Qualitative coding and analyses revealed four central themes relating to trust, including: 1) Trust is important to relationships, 2) Trust God, 3) What is Trust?, and 4) How do you develop trust? Implications and applications are offered.