Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Orly Calderon, Psy.D.

Second Advisor

Camilo Ortiz, PH.D.

Third Advisor

Linnea L. Mavrides, Psy.D

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the most frequently cited factors contributing to individuals leaving ultra-Orthodoxy, as well as the psycho-social implications of doing so. Indeed, there is a dearth of quantitative research on the factors and implications of leaving. Previous research has shown that contributing factors include intellectual contradictions, gender inequality, lack of acceptance of differences, and experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. The psychosocial implications of leaving include social and educational barriers to integration into secular life and increased depression and loneliness. The current study employed a quantitative, descriptive design to examine the hypothesis that emotional reasons are more frequently cited than intellectual reasons for leaving ultra-orthodoxy. We also examined the hypothesis that leaving ultra-orthodoxy leads to increases in depression and anxiety scores, decreases in well-being, and a loss of social support. Participants completed a questionnaire that assessed the different factors contributing to leaving ultra-orthodoxy using a Likert scale. They were then administered four psychosocial measures to assess anxiety, depression, wellness, and social support. The results showed no significant difference between individuals' levels of agreement with intellectual and emotional reasons to leave. The results indicated elevations in measures of depression and anxiety, but not in measures of social support, after leaving ultra-orthodoxy suggesting that individuals have a hard time with emotional adjustment despite the presence of social support. Finally, there were no significant differences in gender or ultra-Orthodox sect regarding levels of agreement and psychosocial measures. Future studies should build on these findings to further investigate why individuals leave their ultra-Orthodox communities and the psychosocial implications of leaving.

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