Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2016, Psychology

As the Muslim convert population continues to grow in the U.S., it is important for psychologists to have ways of assessing their spirituality and religiosity. While there are measures of conversion to Islam, none have been empirically validated with a U.S. convert population. The purpose of the current study was to validate an assessment measure (Lakhdar et al., 2007) previously developed with French converts, with a U.S. convert sample. The present study did not find strong evidence for the eight-factor solution that was found in the original study (Lakhdar et al., 2007). However, support for two of the original factors was established (telic and autic sympathy). Additionally, the measure demonstrated good temporal stability and three subscales (telic, conformist, and autic sympathy) were significantly correlated with validated measures of Islamic beliefs and behavioral practices. While some psychometric validity for the measure was established, the scale will likely require further revisions before being considered a valid measure of conversion to Islam for the U.S. convert population.

Committee: John Barrett Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Dalia Diab Ph.D. (Committee Member); Jennifer Gibson Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Islamic Studies; Psychological Tests; Psychology; Religion; Spirituality

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2011, American Culture Studies/Ethnic Studies

This thesis explores the trajectories of conversion to Islam among White Americans after 9/11 in Northwest Ohio by analyzing the social and cultural forces that influenced these individuals' conversion experiences, relationships with pre-9/11 converts, and interactions with the rest of American society. This research project addresses two significant themes that are related to the increasing conversion to Islam in Northwest Ohio after the tragic attacks of September 11th. First, I argue that the increase of Anglo- Americans' conversion to Islam was a reflection of their dissatisfaction with some of the social, cultural, and religious practices in present America. In the narratives of my informants, I identify a number of motivational factors such as social protest and marriage, especially for women, as major reasons for the conversions of Americans to Islam. Second, I discuss the ways in which American converts to Islam act as critics of immigrant Muslims, especially non- practicing Muslims. I examine how their disappointment with transnational Muslims motivates them to establish a distinct American Muslims' religious identity that speaks to their cultural and social needs. Overall, the result of my research indicates that post-9/11 Ohioan Muslim converts are happy and satisfied with their new faith despite all the challenges they face in America. Apparently, Islam provided them with theological satisfaction as well as spiritual fulfillment that give them peace of mind and a sense of tranquility.

Committee: Dr. Lillian Ashcraft-Eason PhD (Advisor); Dr. Babacar M'Baye PhD (Committee Member); Dr. Radhika Gajjala PhD (Other) Subjects: American Studies; Ethnic Studies; Religion