Belonging and resilience: a phenomenological study

Abstract

This phenomenological study was conducted to understand more about the relationship between belonging and resilience. Three informants were interviewed. Data analysis of interview transcripts confirmed themes related to the pre-existing literature and revealed three unique themes: resilient persons sometimes display a rate of spiritual and moral development that is advanced, not belonging may facilitate resilience and the developmental process, and informants' stories suggest a relationship between resilience, belonging, and attachment. Implications include that clinicians should conduct proper developmental assessment of resilient persons who are undergoing moral or spiritual development leaps.