Developing Faith in the Transition to Adulthood: An Analysis of Songs Written by Adolescents who have had Adverse Childhood Experiences
2017 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29091/9783752001952/008 Page 73 - 93
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The Adverse Childhood Experiences Studies (ACE) reveal a longitudinal relationship between childhood trauma and high-risk health outcomes in adulthood, leaving adolescence a precarious transitional stage of development. Faith development, where personal trust is placed in something of value, can be a resource for adolescents in developing a positive orientation towards the future in the face of hopelessness. The study investigates the development of faith as revealed in songs created by adolescents who have experienced extreme adversity and trauma. Results of combined arts-based and analytic song analysis indicate three song categories corresponding with stages of trauma: Songs that Protect Vulnerability, Songs of Abandonment, and Songs of Faith and Love, which is then supported by James Fowler’s model of faith development. A model of therapeutic songwriting is presented to help adolescents develop faith towards their transition into adulthood. This model has three phases: Imitation, Developing Self-Reflection, Developing Self-Love. Implications and applications of this model are discussed.