Date of Award

Summer 6-19-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education (PhD)

Department

Education, Marriage and Family Therapy, Theology

First Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Cher Edwards

Second Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Katherine Douglass

Third Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Tina Schermer Seller

Keywords

womanism, womanist theology, well-being, spiritual and sexual health, feminist theology, feminism

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the research on gender issues and psychological well-being across the adult lifespan utilizing qualitative research examining factors (e.g., societal influences, sexual objectification, shame, loss, meaning-making, and internal identity) in developing resilience and mitigating mental health issues. This paper discusses the importance of addressing well-being through expression of loss, meaning-making, and social impact. This manuscript style dissertation will review publications in such areas as sexuality, spirituality, grief, shame, intimacy, social, and interpersonal relationships. The exploration of biopsychosocial impacts as it relates to meaning-making, resilience, and communal involvement. The three publications will be analyzed through qualitative research applying a case study approach. Findings suggest, women, regardless of sexual orientation, report negative mental health and body image dissatisfaction after internalized experiences of objectification, prolonged losses, and environments of shame. Research will seek to note any factors that affect well-being and gender issues, such as meaning-making rituals, societal connection, and internal psychological awareness. This paper should be viewed as both an invitation for further research into the effects on women within a discriminatory sociocultural context, such as racism, sexism, heterosexism, and other gender discrimination. It should also summon mental health professionals to incorporate more aspects of advocacy, social support, self-care, coping mechanisms pertaining to gender issues within individual treatment plans, overall mental health programs, and church congregations for women recovering from oppressive environments of sexual and spiritual shame.

Keywords: womanism, feminism, mental health, gender issues, LGBTQ+, womanist theology, feminist theory, grief, spirituality, resilience, sexuality, self-regulation, objectification, meaning-making, self-awareness, social connection.

Comments

Keywords: womanism, feminism, mental health, gender issues, LGBTQ+, womanist theology, feminist theory, grief, spirituality, resilience, sexuality, self-regulation, objectification, meaning-making, self-awareness, social connection.

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