Abstract

A paucity of research exists on the impacts of growing up religious and the possible trauma that can result from exposure to religious tenets. Through phenomenological inquiry into millennial experiences growing up in the evangelical church, the phenomenon of religious trauma is examined through the lens of participant experiences. Stories of trauma resulting from religious upbringing have been prolific in mainstream literature and social media, yet little attention has been garnered by the topic within the empirical research community. A further purpose of this study is to generate and operationalize variables for future research and create groundwork for quantitative analysis. Coded qualitative data gathered in eight interviews from participants in a sample from around the US demonstrate strong themes independent of demographics or geographic area. International participant acts as a control and further strengthens analysis of coded qualitative data. Understanding of the phenomenon benefits individuals, clergy, and religious institutions who may desire knowledge of poor outcomes. This national qualitative study was completed to understand participant experiences in an effort to better understand the phenomenon of religious trauma.