Spirituality and Coping: A Grounded Theory

Abstract

Though relatively new subject of research, large and growing body of work is lending credence to relationship between religion and spirituality, and trauma and stress. Research is establishing correlation between specific aspects of spiritualism and religion, and managing and coming through the aftermath and symptoms of variety of stressful and traumatic experiences. Incorporating the effect of religion/spirituality especially within the context of culture and its relevant factors, in holistic approach to patients can potentially enhance treatment and recovery.Religion is defined as a particular institutionalized or personal set of beliefs and practices relating to the divine (Encarta, 1999). The search for purpose, meaning, and sense to the complexities of reality are associated with spiritualism (Burton, 1998; Parlotz, 2012). Religion and spirituality both however comprise transcending orders which bind them. The essential requirement in humans to identify, preserve and cherish that which is gives rise to both. They are both used in similar or common purpose to comprehend, deal with and possibly grow above our daily lives or mundane existence (Hill & Peigament, 2003).Trauma is highly significant event that is considered negative, beyond regular or even difficult human experience. The effect of reactions to trauma on ones psychological well-being and health is psychological trauma (Smith, 2004).Trauma creates conditions that are challenge to an individual's stable psychological constructs and concepts. An individual's perceived human existence is then enveloped by uncertainty and instability (Grant, 1999). When confronted with genuinely traumatic experience, sufferer is faced with the necessity to reappraise their existential meaning and purpose (Decker, 1993). Spirituality can become medium through which trauma is understood (Smith 2004).Organized religion on the other hand, can offer several support structures and social comfort resources to the trauma effected. Examples include support from fellow worshippers, spiritual guidance of the clergy, and religious writings (Hill & Pergamant, 2003). Trauma is often unfathomable to the immediate victim and religion can often provide sense or place in larger sacred order (Beiger 1990). Religious behaviour or thoughts, that arise when faced with stressful or traumatic circumstance is termed religious coping (Peigament, Smith et al., 1998).Sikhism is religion founded six hundred years ago by Guru Nanak dev ji, which continued to grow with its successive gurus, into an institutionalized set of believes and practices. The central message of Sikhism is contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which compiles holy writings of Sikh gurus and other Indian saints. It is an attempt to explain complexity of life through simplicity of the omnipotent universal power. Sikhism though an organized religion, rests in laige measure on philosophies of many Indian saints. Through its spiritual teachings, Sikhism, can help people make sense of events in their lives and cope better with life stressors and trauma.Several studies demonstrate direct correlation between spirituality/religion and coping among diverse patients across range of very different traumas.McCoubrie and Davis (2006), found higher overall spiritual well being correlated with lower levels of anxiety and depression in cancer patients. A study among sexual trauma victims found negative correlation between post traumatic stress disorder symptoms and spiritual well being measures. The correlation stayed consistent among control group of patients, of trauma that was not sexually related (Krejcki et al., 2004). Research on college students who had experienced trauma also found higher levels of spiritual wellbeing was linked to lower trauma symptoms (Lee & Waters, 2003). Sprang and MacNeil (1998) in study of adult primary family members of drunk driving victims revealed an inverse relationship between religious belief scores and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptom scores. …