The Role of Religion in Coping with the Loss of a Family Member to Homicide

Abstract

This study investigated the role of religious coping among 150 family members of homicide victims. Six types of religious coping activities were examined: Spiritually Based Coping, Religious Support, Avoidance, Pleading, Good Deeds, and Discontent. We hypothesized that high levels of religious coping would be reported by the sample and that religious coping generally would be related to less posthomicide distress. Results indicated that the sample engaged in high amounts of religious coping activities, with the exception of Discontent. Contrary to hypothesis, religious coping activities largely were related to more distress. Whereas Religious Support was positively related to well-being, Pleading, Deeds, and Discontent were related negatively. These findings suggest that although religious coping activities are prevalent among homicide survivors, these activities may be related to poorer mental health outcomes when coping with loss of a family member to homicide.