Positive Relational Transformation in Religious Families: Supports and Catalysts for Meaningful Change

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this article is to qualitatively explore how religion can be a catalyst or support for positive, spontaneous transformations in families and the timing of these transformations.BackgroundThere is a paucity of empirical literature that discusses how positive change or transformation occurs within families independent of professional intervention. Research has shown that religion can have many positive influences on family relationships, but more research is needed that explores religion and religiosity as a transformative agent in familial relationships.MethodUsing interviews from 198 racially diverse, marriage‐based families (N = 476 participants) from Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam), we employed a team‐based methodology to code and analyze accounts of positive relational transformation.ResultsTwo themes relating to the timing of transformation, gradual and sudden, along with supports and catalysts for these transformations were identified from qualitative data analysis. These themes are presented with supportive illustrations.ConclusionFor some families, religious experiences did reportedly help inspire and transform their marriages and family relationships.ImplicationsThis study suggests that religion can lead to positive transformation in families, and thus religion may be an effective tool families, religious leaders, and therapists can use to improve and transform family relationships.