Seen and Heard: A Visual Testimony of Purity Culture Using Qualitative Photovoice Methodology

<p>Purity culture, rooted in Christian teachings, has profoundly shaped individuals’ identities, relationships, and perceptions of sexuality, gender, and faith. While popular culture is talking about the effects of purity culture, scholarly literature is lacking. This study employed photovoice methodology to center the voices of those who grew up in purity culture, using photography and personal narratives to explore its long-term effects. The study focused on how individuals who have experienced purity culture articulate and visualize their stories, revealing nuanced insights across seven thematic domains<strong>: </strong>gender expectations, romantic relationships, faith, mental health, identity formation, sex and sexuality, and healing and empowerment. The findings offer valuable insights for mental health professionals, educators, and faith communities seeking to understand and support individuals affected by rigid moral teachings. This study contributes to the broader discourse on religious trauma and identity negotiation by integrating visual storytelling with critical reflection, emphasizing the importance of participant voice in research. The implications for practice and future research center on fostering spaces that encourage autonomy, healing, and critical engagement with religious and cultural ideologies</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - Public Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Counselor Education and Supervision

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Brown, Amanda

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Tremaine Leslie
• Dr. Saran Looby

• purity culture
• Christianity
• photovoice
• mental health
• gender
• sex
• faith
• Community Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Counselor Education
• Other Psychology
• Personality and Social Contexts

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/942

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-2011