Date of Graduation
5-2016
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders
Advisor/Mentor
Williams, Brent T.
Committee Member
Owen, Tanya R.
Second Committee Member
Ramey, Mary A.
Third Committee Member
Lusk, Stephanie L.
Keywords
Social sciences; Education; Cults; Disabilities; Employment; Rehabilitation; Trauma
Abstract
Currently, the majority of studies published on cult membership have been quantitative and have focused primarily on theories and trends about cult membership. These studies have been insufficient in shedding light on the individual’s experience. Qualitative studies are necessary to explore the individual’s accounts of their experiences with past cult involvement and the impact these experiences have on employment. Because of the potential vocational impacts of cult involvement, it is valuable to explore the psychoSocial aspects of work. A qualitative methodology informed by phenomenology was utilized to investigate the unique experience of individuals obtaining employment after leaving a cult. Seven essential themes were found through data analysis: hiding the past, fear, application difficulties, difficulty obtaining employment, inability to maintain employment, talking it out, and symptoms of psychiatric disabilities.
Citation
Wilkins, M. D. (2016). Vocational Implications of Cult Involvement. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/1525
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Vocational Education Commons, Work, Economy and Organizations Commons