Spirituality and transformation in a community-based group in the Bahamas. Issue 3 (16th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abernethy, Alexis D.; Grannum, Gillian D.; Allen, David F.
• Is Part Of: Mental health, religion & culture. Volume 22:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 243
• Publication Date: 2019-03-16
• Subjects: cultural tailoring -- group -- spirituality -- community -- transformation; Mental health -- Religious aspects -- Periodicals; Religion and culture -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Religious aspects -- Periodicals; Mentally ill -- Pastoral counseling of -- Periodicals; 306.461
• DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2019.1579177
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-4676

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Understanding the specific contexts where spirituality may or may not be helpful has been identified as a priority in spirituality and health research. The study aims were to clarify the helpfulness of spirituality and the interrelationships among transformation, spirituality, and forgiveness in this community-based group offered in a societal context of violence. Sixteen group participants from the Bahamas were selected and interviewed. Nine participants were female (56%); 75% identified as Black and 25% identified as White/Caucasian. NVivo 11 software was used. Transformation and spirituality themes were prevalent: themes related to prayer, group connection, and compassion were prominent. Selected spirituality themes were proximal to transformation themes, particularly forgiving others. The group process themes were closely linked to transformation themes. Participants noted that modelling by the group provided support for them to forgive and change. These findings may inform future efforts to intervene in communities experiencing violence and societal fragmentation.