Auditory Processing Learning Disability, Suicidal Ideation, and Transformational Faith

Abstract

The purpose of this personal experience as a narrative investigation is to describe how an auditory processing learning disability exacerbated—and how spirituality and religiosity relieved—suicidal ideation, through the lived experiences of an individual born and raised in the United States. The study addresses: (a) how an auditory processing learning disability affected the primary participant's view of life as a child, adolescent, and young adult, (b) how religiosity and spirituality helped to reframe that outlook after a near-fatal suicide attempt, and (c) how spirituality and religiosity serve to moderate the primary participant's current view of life. Data were obtained from interviews, observations, and documents. The results elucidate how auditory learning disabilities can have a detrimental effect on psychosocial functioning and, conversely, how religiosity and spirituality can moderate that effect.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frank S. Bailey

Frank S. Bailey taught emotionally impaired children for 30 years. He then earned a doctorate, with high distinction, from Liberty University in educational leadership. He is now executive director of Love in the Name of Christ, Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan.

Russell G. Yocum

Russell G. Yocum has nearly 14 years’ experience teaching in grades Pre-K, K, 3, 5, and in higher education. Dr. Yocum currently teaches graduate level qualitative research methods at Liberty University.