From the Conflict of Domestic Violence to the Pursuit of Intra-psychic Reconciliation: A Blended Theory (Grounded, Heuristic and Structures of Blessing) Probe of Spirituality and Religious Based Coping Strategies; in the Context of Domestic Violence as Experienced by First Nations Women in Sioux Lookout Zone

• Main Author: Kirlew, Marsha-Yolaine
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa 2012
• Subjects: First Nations Women; Domestic Violence; Spirituality; Religious Beliefs; Coping Strategies; Intra-psychic Reconciliation; Sioux Lookout Zone; Lookout; First Nations
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.20381/ruor-737; http://www.ruor.uottawa.ca/handle/10393/23182

This research sought to chart how knowledge about spirituality and religious based teachings influenced some women from the Sioux Lookout, north western Ontario region. It focused amongst the life-world experiences of four First Nation’s female domestic violence (DV) survivors who are in the process of pursuing intra-psyche (self) reconciliation. Listening to and examining their stories revealed the inter-sectionality of DV and Spirituality or Religious beliefs, and how they have worked to shape their Identity. In the process, new insights arouse on the various paths that may exist on the road towards personal reconciliation. New knowledge can also emerge alongside the data sought from unfamiliar places. Engaging in Grounded Theory (GT) research paved the way to combine an emergent Heuristic, Structure of Blessing approach: this enabled the researcher to personally examine and reflect on her own legacy as a survivor of childhood trauma. The outcome of using a theoretical relay approach to theory development is that research on spirituality can create the context to chart emergent, creative knowledge-making as a spiritual journey. The research uses an integrative Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment (PCIA) mapping exercise in combination with Redekop's (2002a, 2012) notion that reconciliation creates a positive context that benefits from Structures of Blessing. This revealed that some Aboriginal women use their spirituality (informed by teachings) and or religious beliefs as guides.