This single-case study explored associations between relational trauma experienced during childhood and relationally focused spiritual difficulties encountered during adulthood. Fifteen initial therapy transcripts of a 57-year-old female Christian with complex trauma were analyzed. Relational experiences included: (a) "eating their young" (early developmental context); (b) "broken-winged chick" (sense of self); (c) "wounded sparrow" (self in relation to God); (d) "faltering in flight" (relationship with God); and (e) "at the fringe of the flock" (relationship with Christian community). Childhood relational trauma was far reaching in its long-term psycho-spiritual effects, adversely impacting sense of personhood, relational capacity, reflective functioning, and broader coping.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	alienation, Christian, chronic complex trauma, connection, conversational model, disconnection, disorder of self; qualitative, relational spirituality, togetherness
Research Division:	Medical and Health Sciences
Research Group:	Public Health and Health Services
Research Field:	Mental Health
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Health and Support Services
Objective Field:	Mental Health Services
UTAS Author:	Cleary, M (Professor Michelle Cleary)
UTAS Author:	Kornhaber, R (Dr Rachel Kornhaber)
ID Code:	125667
Year Published:	2019 (online first 2018)
Deposited By:	Health Sciences
Deposited On:	2018-04-28
Last Modified:	2019-09-09
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