Program
Doctor of Ministry
Year Approved
2021
First Advisor
Wick, David
Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. This qualitative, multi-case study investigated key characteristics that empowered sexual abuse victims to survive suicidality. A biblical review of the Book of Job and the Book of Jeremiah provided a theological understanding of trauma. In particular, the researcher proposed a theology of trauma that studies the presence and nature of God in the experience of trauma. A literature review related to suicide and childhood sexual abuse highlighted the effects of childhood sexual abuse contributing to suicidality. This study sought to address the lack of understanding of the key characteristics that empowered sexual abuse victims to survive suicidality. Interviews were employed to gain insight into enigmas related to surviving suicidality in women with a history of childhood sexual abuse. This study found that the impact of childhood sexual abuse was complex and highly individualized. This study concluded by exploring 27 characteristics that empowered sexual abuse victims to survive suicidality.
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry
Document Type
Doctoral thesis
Recommended Citation
Stella, S. (2021). Key Characteristics Empowering Sexual Abuse Victims to Survive Suicidality: A Collective Case Study [Doctoral thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/785