Does God heal? : a qualitative exploration of youth's experience of God during their suffering

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to explore youth’s experience of God during periods of suffering in their life. Through a qualitative inquiry, eight participants were invited to share their experience of the phenomenon. The study adopted an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach, and data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The analysis elucidated a number of themes illustrating the effects of a relationship with God during challenging times. The major theme of this study highlights God as an attachment figure who provides safety and calmness in troubled times. Through the relationship with God, participants found their purpose in life whilst coping and experienced a sense of fulfilment. Another theme focuses on the discrepancy between the church and God, and how the church influences moral development. The theme regarding the significance of being part of a community concluded several benefits on youths’ mental wellbeing when coping such as feeling cared for and loved. The final theme considered the need of having human guidance, for instance a spiritual director, when attempting to understand God. All of these themes have implications for the counselling profession especially in the area of youth. A number of recommendations were suggested, such as the need for further research on local youth’s disclosure in counselling, about how their relationship with God as a potential coping strategy in difficult times, and more training in spirituality for trainee counsellors. It is suggested that the spiritual aspect in clients’ life could be considered more in the initial assessment. A main limitation of this study is that the participants that offered to be part of this research, are all Christian and Maltese except for one participant.Thus, this study might offer a limited picture of youth in Malta, considering the increase in international youth residing on this island. This study is important for the counselling profession, as it provides information to counsellors about different experiences of individuals, together with their coping strategies, especially that of youth.