Women's development of voice in an Evangelical college: The role of relationships in fostering identity
by Oleari, Ariel Noelle Gloria, Psy.D., WHEATON COLLEGE, 2009, 126 pages; 3409243

Abstract:

This investigation explores the impact of relationships on the development of identity and voice among female students at an Evangelical Christian college. Literature on the development of women’s identity highlights the developmental period of emerging adulthood as a time when females experience increased disconnection from others and their voice. This qualitative study was developed to learn from college women about how their ability and desire for authentic connection can be strengthened on their journey through emerging adulthood. Authentic relationships in which women are able to speak their heart and mind freely are fundamental to womens’ psychological well-being. This freedom of authentic self-expression and self-awareness through relationships has become widely referred to by the metaphor of a woman’s voice. This study utilized a feminist narrative approach to listen and learn directly from college women’s voice and “ways of knowing” to better understand the obstacles and strengthening factors contributing to their voice. Participants in this study provide an in-depth description of how their voice is impacted by stereotypes of women in college, the pressures of marriage, male-female relationships, and how they cope during difficult times. This study will describe the obstacles to voice, which include perceptions of women as fitting into the “MRS major” or the “feminist” stereotype; feeling guarded and disconnected in opposite-sex relationships; and feeling disconnected from the college community. In addition this study will discuss the primary findings that women-to-women relationships have the strongest role in fostering voice, and that relationship with God fosters self-awareness and confidence to Christian college womens’ voice.

 
AdviserJanelle L. Kwee
SchoolWHEATON COLLEGE
SourceDAI/B 71-08, p. , Aug 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsWomen's studies; Educational psychology; Developmental psychology; Clinical psychology
Publication Number3409243
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