The Influence of Spirituality on the Implicit Identity of Racial African American Women of Ethnically Cherokee Ancestry
Argosy University, Washington, D.C.
December 2009
141 pages
Daryl Harris Thorne
Submitted to the Faculty of Argosy University – Washington, DC Campus College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences In partial fulfillment of The requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education
This dissertation examines the influence of spirituality on implicit identity using a heuristic-case study approach. This research attempted to recognize the complexity of identity construction by acknowledging the myriad of factors that contribute to the human experience beneath surface identity. Historical trauma, marginalization, and the Virginia Racial Integrity Act of 1924 were also explored using Symbolic Interaction as a theoretical frame. Based on the findings, counselors are reminded to remain open to the possibility that there are people who present a certain way, externally, due to external features or socialization yet, internally, identify in a different way. This study adds a substantive dimension to theories of identity formation that place primary focus on spirituality vs. racial, historical and societal constructions.