Spirituality and Religion in the Lives of Runaway and Homeless Youth: Coping with Adversity

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Elizabeth W. Lindsey, Professor Emeritus (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: This qualitative study, part of a larger study of resiliency, explores the impact of spirituality on runaway and/or homeless youth. Interviews with 19 former runaway and homeless youth were analyzed to explore their experience of spirituality as they coped with the adversity in their lives. Five themes related to spirituality emerged: a belief in divine intervention; having a personal relationship with a nonjudgmental higher power; use of prayer; participation in traditional and nontraditional religious practices; and finding meaning and purpose in life, including a desire to “give back” to their community. Implications for social work practice and research are addressed.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought
Language: English
Date: 2005
Keywords
Spirituality, runaway and homeless youth, resiliency, divine intervention

Email this document to