In the present article we explored how family prayer reportedly influenced family relationships. We conceptualized family prayer as a family ritual in religious families and used a qualitative methodology to interview a religiously, ethnically, and geographically diverse sample of 198 families ( = 476). Analysis of data revealed 7 related themes. Family prayer served important functions and influenced relationships in various ways including (a) as a time of family togetherness and interaction; (b) as a space for social support; and (c) as a means for intergenerational transmission of religion. Further, family prayer (d) involved issues and concerns of individuals and the family; (e) helped reduce relational tensions; (f) provided feelings of connectedness, unity, and bonding. Finally, (g) families struggled to pray together when there was disunity. Implications, applications, and future directions are addressed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
From 1995–2016, there has been a 15-fold increase in qualitative scholarship in the social sciences, but the rigor and quality of published work has ranged widely. Little scholarship provides concrete, pragmatic explanations of (and directions regarding) the execution of systematic, high-rigor qualitative analysis. The present article guides the developing qualitative researcher through technical and procedural aspects of analyzing qualitative data with specific attention to reliability and rigor. Guidance addressing transcription, importing data, forming coding pairs, performing initial/open coding (examples of three types), determining core themes, systematic team-based coding, maintaining a data audit trail, creating a Numeric Content Analysis (NCA) table, and preparing work for publication is provided. Materials include several tables and figures that offer practical demonstrations on how to use Nvivo in data analysis. Transcription tips and outsourcing benefits and cautions are also offered. Altogether, the present article provides qualitative researchers practical guidance for executing multiple stages of qualitative analysis.
Objective and Background
We used qualitative methodology to explore forgiveness motivations and processes in an ethnically, economically, and geographically diverse sample of 198 highly religious Christian, Muslim, and Jewish families in the United States (N = 480). Prior research has identified several significant relational implications and outcomes of forgiveness. However, there is a need for additional research on forgiveness processes and motivations among highly religious families.
Method
Families were interviewed jointly through a semistructured interview protocol. Analysis was conducted using thematic and team‐based coding procedures.
Results
Core themes included (a) “Why forgive?”: Relational, religious, and spiritual motivations; (b) “What enables state forgiveness?”: Relational, religious, and spiritual processes; and (c) The role and development of trait forgiveness (forgivingness).
Conclusion
Findings highlight the relational, religious, and spiritual motivations and processes present in forgiveness and the role religious/spiritual beliefs and practices play in those processes. Additionally, findings illustrate participants' value of the virtue of forgivingness and reported religious and relational processes that helped in developing the trait of forgivingness.
Implications
We offer several questions that can be used as a starting point for practitioners to work within the worldview of religious clients to empower individuals, couples, and families to forgive.
In this article, we explored how humility influences family relationships in religious families. We used a qualitative methodology and interviewed a religiously, ethnically, and geographically diverse sample of 198 highly religious families (N = 476). Family-level data were collected by using multiple informants through joint interviews with family members. Semistructured interviews regarding how religion influenced family life were conducted in the participants' homes. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative data analysis software, team-based coding, and grounded theory procedures. Findings included four themes:(1) Pride as an obstacle to relational well-being, (2) the influence of religious beliefs on humility, (3) the influence of religious practices on humility, and (4) humility in practice. Together, these themes suggest that humility can be both grounding and empowering for individuals and relationships. Implications and future directions are discussed.
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