Coping Strategies That Elicit Psychological Well-Being and Happiness Among Older Catholic Nuns with Physical Impairments and Disabilities

Abstract

This study examined how adaptive strategies described in a study of well older adults by Clark et al. (1996) were being used by four Catholic nuns with physical impairments and disabilities who lived in a continuum of care facility. A naturalistic, phenomenological approach was chosen, and in-depth interviews were conducted to ascertain if, and how, each nun used the adaptive strategies. A cross-classifying matrix was then used to examine common themes among the four informants. Spiritual activity, positive attitudes, and commitment to service were evident themes in this study and the study by Clark et al. (1996). Our findings suggest that the specific constellation of adaptive strategies may be useful for other religious older adults to manage stressors in their daily lives. Spirituality potentiated each of the strategies identified by Clark et al. (1996) in a sample of four physically impaired and disabled older nuns. Future investigation is necessary to determine how spirituality relates to psychological well-being and happiness in older adults from other religious, ethnic, and cultural populations.