Influence of Childhood Experiences on Faith Development: A Journey toward Wholeness

by Sr. Adaku Helen Ogbuji, CCVI, PhD

This book examines how childhood experiences impact faith development in religious individuals. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with 80 consecrated persons, the book reveals that early experiences, whether positive or adverse, can deeply influence adult behavior, especially in religious life. Guided by theories like Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development and James Fowler’s faith development, Ogbuji explores how formative experiences shape adult attitudes toward faith, relationships, and authority.

The book highlights challenges faced by consecrated persons, including lingering effects of childhood trauma, which can manifest as emotional instability, attachment issues, or even aggressive behavior in community settings. Ogbuji advocates for a holistic formation process, suggesting that therapeutic interventions and ongoing psychological and spiritual support can help religious individuals achieve wholeness. She also calls for well-trained formators who understand the complex emotional needs of candidates.

Ultimately, the book emphasizes the importance of addressing personal histories to foster emotional and spiritual maturity, creating healthier, more joyful communities. The work serves as a valuable resource for religious formators, superiors, and all those interested in understanding how early life influences vocational development and overall well-being in religious life.

Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“This book is an idea whose time has come! I highly recommend it to religious men and women, superiors and formators, clergy and lay persons, and all those who wish to understand how their childhood experiences affect the way they behave as adults” — Dr. Stephen Asatsa, Lecturer, Department of Counselling Psychology, CUEA

“Sr. Helen’s book is a must read for formators of religious congregations and Institutes of Consecrated and Apostolic Life. Superiors of the same communities will find it insightful and positive about the universal need for therapy. Pastors of souls can benefit much from this distilled text about reconciliation with oneself and one’s story of joy and suffering. All consecrated persons will find delight in discovering the wide range of possibilities in the helping professions. Finally, believers with strong scientific background will rejoice in the continuous line between faith and the human sciences. In short, this book will help any reader to feel more comfortable with the concept of psychological health” —Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Foro, SJ, Provincial Delegate for Formation, Cameroon

“This piece of work is profound, full of insights, and a noteworthy contribution towards the formation and ongoing formation of consecrated Men and Women. Above all, it is well-written. I am pleased to grant the Imprimatur for its publication.” Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, DD, Bishop of Umuahia Diocese.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sister Adaku Helen (Helena) Ogbuji, CCVI, PhD, belongs to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, Texas. She is an author of several books. She holds a master’s in Theology, Divinity and Psychology and a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Presently, she is the Formation Director and the Novice Director in their formation house in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

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