This qualitative study examined the experience of divorced Latter-day Saints beginning to date again after having been sealed in an LDS temple. Eight divorced Latter-day Saints participated in semi-structured interviews, with areas of inquiry covering the reason for divorce, current romantic relationships, whether participants discussed their prior sealing with new partners, challenges and benefits participants experienced in dating again, what had been helpful to them as they began dating, what they wished family and friends knew, plans for marriage, and whether they would consider non-LDS partners. Data were analyzed thematically and themes were generated by grouping similar responses. Participants over 30 expressed discouragement at the number of available partners in the LDS faith, while those under 30 felt optimism that they could re-marry. Participants also indicated difficulty transitioning back to sexual abstinence and making sense of divorce in light of their religious beliefs. However, participants also reported enjoying singlehood and the opportunities it presented, and some showed signs of personal and spiritual growth. Participants over 30 considered dating and marrying outside of their faith to not be alone, which decision brought mixed support from family members. While family and community members were generally supportive, divorced Mormons continue to report a sense of "otherness" in their community. Recommendations for clinicians in working with this population are included. / Master of Science

While there is a growing body of knowledge on newlyweds and the transitions they go through, very little is known about the experience of newlyweds who are also members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). The purpose of this study was to gain a picture of the LDS newlywed experience through in-depth interviews. Seeking to understand the overall experience of LDS newlyweds, this study was conducted using a phenomenological perspective to explore how these couples' expectations of marriage correspond with their actual experience of marriage, how the LDS faith influenced the expectations and/or experience of marriage, and finally to uncover what external and internal factors helped or hindered their transition to marriage. In-depth interviews were conducted with six young LDS newlywed couples and were coded for themes. The main themes found include the pressure to marry, process of discovering sexual intimacy and an overall evaluation of expectations and experience. Implications for therapists and future research are indicated. / Master of Science

Thesis (M.A.)--B.Y.U. Dept. of Graduate Studies in Religious Instruction.

Thesis (M.R.E.)--B.Y.U. Dept. of Graduate Religious Instruction. / Electronic thesis. Also available in print ed.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Brigham Young University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-90).

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University, Dept. of Graduate Studies in Religious Instruction. / Electronic thesis. Also available in print ed.

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Communications. / Bibliography: leaves 67-70.

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Geography. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-88).

Thesis (M.R.I.)--B.Y.U. Dept. of Religious Education. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 57-58).

Thesis (M.A.)-- Brigham Young University. Dept. of Church History and Philosophy.