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.
Recommended Citation
Bauman, Christy Angelle-Vidrine, "Womanism & Wellbeing: A Manuscript Dissertation Exploring the Effects of Shame, Loss and Gender Issues" (2020). Education Dissertations. 61.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/soe_etd/61
Included in
Counseling Psychology Commons, Counselor Education Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons, Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Commons, Social Justice Commons, Theory and Philosophy Commons, Transpersonal Psychology Commons, Women's Health Commons, Women's Studies Commons
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.