Date
8-20-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Laura MacKenzie
Keywords
self-silencing, pastors’ wives, transcendental phenomenological research, marital satisfaction, mental health, epoché, STSS
Disciplines
Christianity | Educational Psychology
Recommended Citation
Evans, Lakia K., "The Public Smile and the Silent Sacrifice: A Phenomenological Study of the Self-Silencing of Christian Pastors’ Wives of Color on their Well-Being and Relationships" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8777.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8777
Abstract
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe Christian pastors’ wives’ experiences with self-silencing; uncovering this phenomenon’s impact on well-being and marital satisfaction as ascribed by these wives. Together, Dana Jack’s Silencing the Self Theory and Judith V. Jordan’s Relational-Cultural Theory guide this study; explaining why a pastor’s wife may remain silent to protect her husband’s ministry reputation, avoid conflict, maintain marital peace, but often creates undesirable mental health and marital outcomes. From a 13-participant sample, a tri-fold data collection method was used including in-depth interviews, participant drawings and reflection journal entries, all discussing subjective lived experiences with self-silencing. Horizontalization and cluster meaning were used during analysis to reveal key insights and themes while bracketing and journaling helped mitigate researcher bias and assumptions. Five themes emerged: peace as a survival strategy; role-imposed identity erosion; relational disconnection and the divided self; theological captivity and spiritual weaponization; and anticipatory silencing and strategic self-regulation. Collectively, these themes revealed that self-silencing is multi-dimensional and has many costs when utilized to meet the demands within ministry life. This study sought to contribute to existing literature that portrayed the unique challenges faced by pastors’ wives, expanding the knowledge to include the wives’ personal perspectives on how silencing behaviors factors into those challenges. Results from this study may provide insights to guide the creation of targeted interventions which support pastors’ wives, an underserved population.
