Coming Out As an Atheist: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
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Authors
Dollinger, Danielle G.
Issue Date
2018
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
"Atheism","Identity Development”,“Families"," Religion","Qualitative Research","Phenomenology"
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study explored atheists' experiences disclosing their atheism to their religious family members. The study used descriptive phenomenology to study the experience of 5 atheists who grew up in highly religious families. Overall, the findings are consistent with the idea that disclosing one's atheism to the family is an essential milestone in the development of an atheist identity. The findings indicated that participants' experiences of disclosing their atheism to their religious family members have many similarities to the coming out process of LGBT individuals. Post-disclosure, participants reported enhanced well-being and a period of intensive personal growth. The implications of these findings are discussed.