Religious Rituals Research Articles

Religious Possession and Self-Repossession: The Black Nationalist Movements and the Anglophone Caribbean Ritual Plays in the 1960s–1970s

Since achieving political independence in the 1960s, Anglophone Caribbean nations have faced the urgent task of exploring cultural independence. In the socio-cultural sphere, Black nationalism dominated, with Pan-Africanism and Rastafarianism exerting significant influence. In literary creation, writers and intellectuals sought to unearth local popular religions and folk traditions to produce literature that was distinctively Caribbean. In this quest, rituals—especially those involving religious possession—emerged as pivotal tools for writers to explore historical traditions and reflect on identity formation. Ritual plays, in particular, vividly represented these dynamics within the socio-cultural context. This paper examines the interaction between Black nationalist movements and ritual plays during this period, highlighting their significant role in shaping Caribbean identities. It reveals that ritual plays such as Dream on Monkey Mountain, Couvade, and An Echo in the Bone challenge Pan-Africanism promoted by Black nationalist movements. Instead, they employ ancestor possession rituals and elements from multiple religious rituals to construct a native Caribbean identity. These plays underscore the central role of Afro-Caribbean traditions while also highlighting the region’s diverse cultural heritage and the localized nature of Caribbean identity. Furthermore, they broaden the use of religious rituals in recalling and understanding traditions.

How to Bridge Cognitive and Cultural Models of Religious Evolution

The scientific study of religion has roots in at least two traditions: a cognitive tradition which typically uses experimental studies to examine the proximal psychological processes underlying religious belief and ritual, and an anthropological tradition which uses historical and ethnographic data to examine how religious systems culturally evolve in social groups. In Religion Evolving, Purzycki and Sosis bridge both traditions and encourage a more integrated evolutionary science of religion. In this essay, I present three suggestions for how to make this science as ambitious and collaborative as possible. These suggestions are: (1) to move beyond straw man debates that pit byproduct models against functional models of religious evolution and acknowledge that these models are compatible from a dual inheritance perspective, (2) to evaluate functionalist claims with caution, recognizing how and when religion is adaptive vs. maladaptive for secular society, and (3) to avoid reductive definitions of religion and embrace religious pluralism. With these lessons in mind, we can usher in a bolder evolutionary science of religion that draws from both cognitive and cultural traditions.

Factors affecting the spiritual rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters: a systematic review.

Every year, natural disasters in many countries lead to the destruction of infrastructure, loss of assets, and harm to the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of people. The attention of policymakers and the media is mostly focused on the reconstruction of damaged buildings and the physical rehabilitation and recovery of the injured, while the spiritual rehabilitation of the people affected is often neglected. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the spiritual rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters. This study was conducted using a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were extracted from data sources, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, ProQuest, PsycInfo, Scopus, IranMedex, SID, and ISC. Systematic review studies, key journals, and conference proceedings related to the factors affecting the spiritual rehabilitation of individuals after natural disasters from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 were included. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the obtained data. Initially, 1,753 studies were identified based on the initial search, and eventually, 22 final studies were included in the study. Based on the thematic analysis results, the factors influencing the spiritual rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters were classified into four main themes and eleven sub-themes. The main themes included communication with God, strengthening religious beliefs, social participation, and meaning-making. The sub-themes included praying, using supplication, reading the holy book, praising God, believing in the afterlife, understanding the position and characteristics of the world, understanding the divine, participating in religious ceremonies, membership in supportive groups, the meaning of suffering and adversity, and the meaning of death. The results of this study demonstrate that the connection with the divine (God), strengthening religious beliefs, social participation, and meaning-making are influential factors in the spiritual rehabilitation of affected people after natural disasters. Incorporating these factors in the spiritual counseling and care of the affected people can improve their spiritual health after encountering the destructive effects of natural disasters. These findings can provide valuable insights for managing natural disasters through a holistic approach to the health of affected people, and can guide caregivers in implementing spiritual rehabilitation interventions.

Utilization of incense stick ash as a supplementary cementitious material: Effects on strength, cement chemistry, and sustainability

Incense stick ash (ISA), a by-product generated from the combustion of biomass during religious rituals, presents challenges regarding its high-volume disposal despite some emerging technologies offering avenues for its reuse. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of utilizing ISA as a supplementary cementitious material and its impact on fresh and hardened properties, hydration kinetics, microstructure, and environmental and economic aspects of Portland cement (PC) pastes. Results reveal that incorporating 5–20 % ISA increases the cumulative heat release per gram of PC. Specifically, replacing 5 % of PC with ISA enhances the 28-day compressive strength, with an increase of 19.78 % compared to plain cement paste. However, further elevation in ISA substitution leads to a decline in compressive strength. The utilization of 5 % ISA refines the pore structure of samples and elevates the content of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), particularly the proportion of high-density C-S-H. Additionally, carbonates present in ISA react with AFm to form monocarbon calcium aluminate, which stabilizes AFt and enhances the microstructural compactness of cement paste. Compared to plain cement paste, the paste with 5 % ISA exhibits lower coefficients for the cost of pastes per cubic meter, CO2 emission of pastes per cubic meter, and non-renewable energy consumption, underscoring the effective utilization of ISA and its role in promoting sustainability. This study will facilitate the application of ISA in cement-based materials and provide technical guidance for subsequent research.

Rhythms of Tradition Explores the Rich Heritage of Folk Music and Dance in Western Odisha

This study explores the rich heritage of folk music and dance in Western Odisha, delving into its cultural, spiritual, and social significance. Western Odisha is home to folk traditions such as Ghumura, Danda, Leela, Dhap, Sankirtan, and Daskathia, all of which reflect the region's deep historical and religious roots. These performances are not merely artistic expressions but serve as vehicles for transmitting cultural knowledge, reinforcing community bonds, and maintaining religious and spiritual practices. Instruments like Ghudka, Sarangi, and Devgunia are integral to these performances, symbolizing identity and tradition. The study reveals that many of these traditions are tied to religious rituals and agricultural cycles, with performances occurring during specific festivals or times of the year. Furthermore, the research highlights the role of these folk traditions in social functions, particularly in promoting community cohesion and facilitating courtship among youth. However, the influence of modernization, coupled with a lack of formal documentation, poses challenges to preserving these traditions. The increasing popularity of classical dance forms like Odissi in the region adds to the cultural transformation. The discussion emphasizes the need for institutional support and more excellent documentation to preserve these folk traditions for future generations. Festivals, workshops, and financial support for folk artists are proposed as potential solutions to safeguard this intangible cultural heritage. In conclusion, while the folk music and dance of Western Odisha continue to thrive, proactive efforts are essential to protect and sustain these traditions in the face of modern challenges.

ARUNIKA

Based on the experience, the composer will also create a musical composition entitled Arunika. Arunika is the phenomenon of the emergence of the tip of the sun above the eastern horizon, or this event is often called the sunrise process. Arunika is a word derived from Sanskrit. Sanskrit itself is a member of the Indo-European language family and is considered one of the oldest and most well-known languages among linguists. Sanskrit is a perfect language, an antonym of vernacular or prakrit, often used for religious or scientific purposes. Sanskrit is one of the official languages used in India today, because it is closely related to Hinduism and Buddhism. In India itself, Sanskrit is commonly used in several Hindu religious ceremonies and other major national celebrations. This language is a special language for Indian society, this is because it is a marker of differences in social status so it is only taught to upper classes or castes. The use of Sanskrit has developed into a specific symbol and language not only in India but also in several countries. The word Arunika became the title of the work to reflect a personal experience, namely vision problems, where his eyes became dark and he could not move. The problems experienced by cultivators have a big impact on the path of dreams and the future they have envisioned. The impact of this problem made the cultivator decide on his dream. Arunika herself had a huge influence in the process of creating this work. This work was born from a process of self-healing and recovery accompanied by the environment.

Rebranding God: The Jewish Revival Movement between Homeland and Diaspora

Against the gloomy forecast of “The Vanishing Diaspora”, the end of the second millennium saw the global emergence of a dazzling array of Jewish cultural initiatives, institutional modalities, and individual practices. These “Jewish Revival” and “Jewish Renewal” projects are led by Jewish NGOs and philanthropic organizations, the Orthodox Teshuva (return to the fold) movement and its well-known emissary Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidism, and alternative cultural initiatives that promote what can be termed “lifestyle Judaism”. This range between institutionalized revival movements and ephemeral event-driven projects circumscribes a diverse space of creative agency. Indeed, the trope of a “Jewish Renaissance” has become both a descriptive category of an increasingly popular and scholarly discourse across the globe, and a prescriptive model for social action. This article explores the global transformations of contemporary Jewishness, which give renewed meaning to identity, tradition, and politics in our post-secular world in two different sociopolitical contexts. Drawing on long-term ethnographic research, we interrogate the relations between “diaspora” and “homeland” by analyzing two case studies: the Jewish revival movement in Budapest, Hungary, and the Jewish renewal initiatives in Israel. While the first instantiates a diasporic movement anchored in a post-denominational and post-secular attempt to reclaim Jewish tradition for a new generation of Jew-llennials (Millennial Jews), the second group operates against the Orthodox hegemony of the institutional Rabbinate by revisiting religious ritual and textual study. By proposing new cultural repertoires, these movements highlight the dialectic exchange between center and periphery. The ethnography of religious revival decenters the Israeli Orthodoxy as “the homeland” and positions the diaspora at the core of a network of cultural creativity and renewal, while remaining in constant dialog with Israel and other diasporic communities.

Identity work responses to workplace stigmatization: Power positions, authenticity, religious coping and religious accommodation for skilled practising Muslim professionals

AbstractDespite the challenges Muslims face because of their stigmatized religious identity, little is known about how they navigate that identity in the workplace. Adopting an interpretivist perspective of identity work, this study investigates this issue by building on two‐round in‐depth interviews (35 in round‐one and 21 in round‐two) with skilled practising British Muslim professionals. It extends work on power positions to show the privileges those in senior managerial positions have, including assertiveness and control over workplace interactions and outcomes. It further advances understanding of authenticity, revealing that, despite their experiences of stigmatization, these professionals tend to remain true to their religious identity, openly practising their religion in the workplace. They perceive identity re‐interpretation to be part of authenticity, and a responsibility to contest religious stigma. Importantly, this study conceptualizes proactive religious coping as an identity work response to workplace stigmatization, theorized in this organizational context as turning to God and religious rituals for meaning, comfort, resilience and reconciliation, whilst also being proactive and fighting to challenge experiences of stigmatization. However, unlike for other stigmatized groups, inclusive organizational practices, particularly religious accommodation, are not a driver for authenticity, but rather a signal for environment‐fit and authenticity is instead driven by religious identity.

Impact of environmental change on the indigenous belief system of the Bayso Community of Gidicho Island, Southern Ethiopia

The environment and human existence are inextricably intertwined. Consequently, alterations in the environment’s natural characteristics can lead to severe resource shortages. This affects the institutions that have been crucial in shaping and guiding human lives and preserving the environment’s richness, as well as the endeavours of communities to sustain their livelihoods. This article examines the impact of environmental change on the indigenous belief system of the Bayso community of Gidicho Island, southern Ethiopia. Ethnographic data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and photographs. The results showed that environmental change on Gidicho Island and its environs has disrupted the socio-economic and cultural life of the Bayso, essentially their religious rituals. Thus, we advise the federal government to amend the country’s development policies that exacerbate environmental degradation and intervene to reduce the effects of poverty on the resource-use behaviours of its people.

SESAJEN IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF IBN KATHIR: INTERPRETATION OF SURAH AN-NISA, VERSE 48

Sesajen has been a controversial topic from ancient times to the present. This ritual involves offering food and other objects in religious or customary ceremonies to communicate with supernatural powers. The tradition of sesajen in Islam reflects a cultural heritage with spiritual and religious practices, and an understanding of this tradition is essential to understanding the Islamic view of sesajen. This study explores Ibn Kathir's interpretation of the tradition of sesajen in the context of Surah An-Nisa verse 48, to understand his views and arguments regarding sesajen in Islam. This study uses a literature review to explore Ibn Kathir's perspective on sesajen through his interpretation of the Qur'an. This involves analyzing literature, including Ibn Kathir's works, to detail his arguments and views on the tradition of sesajen. Ibn Kathir's interpretation emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sanctity of worship and warns against deviation from the principle of monotheism, providing valuable guidance for Muslims today. His interpretation contributes to strengthening the religious identity, and countering negative cultural influences while addressing modern challenges.

Inculturation of Luhya Birth and Naming Rituals in Christian Worship: A Study of The Baptist Church in Vihiga County, Kenya

African Christians are in a dilemma of whether to fully embrace western-prejudiced Christianity or to stick to their traditional forms of faith. Influenced by the fear of syncretic worship, the Baptist church in Vihiga County, which is out rightly committed to Western Christianity condemns and opposes Africans who embrace their traditional religious rituals and rites. Despite this, the Luhya community who profess the Christian faith secretly are adamant in practicing their birth and naming religious rituals in worship. The paper argues that inculturation of Luhya birth and naming rites and rituals in Christian worship in the Baptist church in Vihiga County, Kenya has a significant impact on the survival of Christian message among its membership. The faith that does not become culture is not a lived faith. The study was informed by animism and sociological theories. Descriptive research design was employed with qualitative approaches of analysis. The sample size of the study was 221 participants comprising 183 Lay Christian and 38 Key informants (16 Pastors and 22 Church Leaders). The findings revealed that many Baptist Christians are resistant to inculturate Luhya rites and rituals of birth and naming into their worship, instead they condemn them and those that perform such rituals. This resistance makes them live inauthentic Christian life within their cultural context. The study recommended the Church leadership, theologians, and scholars to advocate for values in Luhya birth and naming rites and rituals that are consistent with Christian worship

Enhancing immersive sensation at the Iwami Kagura performance space using omnidirectional speakers: a case study of the worship halls at Shrines in the Iwami region, Japan

Iwami Kagura, originated from Iwami region in western Shimane, Japan-is a religious rituals narrating Japanese mythology has been persevered through centuries, maintaining its relevance in the present time. These religious rituals mainly dedicated to gods, features dynamic masked dance, fast music and vibrant costume creating an immersive experience for diverse audiences. The Iwami Kagura performances are popular inside and outside of Japan making a source of tourism for the region. Originally, Iwami Kagura was performed in the worship halls at shrines, therefore, it is important to understand the sacred atmosphere created by the performance considering acoustic measures that make the space immersive. In this study, we focused on the Iwami Kagura performed at worship halls of two shrines and compared the acoustic effects of omnidirectional speakers in both the shrines. Usually, directional speakers are used to amplify parts of performers' voices and music, however, performing space at shines are small in volume, and the directional speakers will provide strong direct sound to performers' voices and sound of flute. Thus, we studied acoustic characteristics of performance space within the precincts of the shrines, the acoustic effects of loudspeakers used and improved sense of presence using omnidirectional speakers.

Dharmagita Dalam Pelaksanaan Upacara Yajña Di Kecamatan Tegallalang Kabupaten Gianyar

Dharmagita in the religious and social life of Hindus is a form of offering sound art as a form of offering. Dharmagita is always present in Hindu religious ceremonies in Tegallalang District, giving the impression that the dharmagita accompanies the yajña. This research aims to examine the use of dharmagita in the yajña ceremony in Tegallalang sub-district, Gianyar district, and to discover the elements of Hindu philosophy contained in dharmagita. In general, this research aims to explore and provide a clear understanding of dharmagita and its use in yajña ceremony in Tegallalang District, Gianyar Regency, Hindu philosophy studies. This research uses three theories, functional structural theory, religious theory, and symbol theory to examine the dharmagita problem in Tegallalang district. This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach, which took the research location in the tegallalang sub-district, because it is seen from the phenomenon of socio-religious life in communities located in the transition area between sub-district and rural areas. The data sources in this research use primary data sources and secondary data sources. The results of this research confirm that dharmagita is a form of sound art offered to God in the yajña ceremony, including the god yajña, butha yajña, manusa yajña, pitra yajña, and rsi yajña ceremonies. Hindu philosophy in the dharmagita includes tattwa teachings which emphasize the divine aspect and have implications for increasing the sraddha and bhakti of the people in the yajña ritual.

Embracing mortality: psychological preparation on death in the guidance of stoic philosophy

Humanity's greatest fear is the inevitability of death, the ultimate fate that all strive to evade. This collective dread of mortality stems from its perceived malevolence. Across the ages, from religious rituals promising salvation to scientific efforts to delay death, human attempts to confront mortality vary widely. Yet death remains inescapable, a natural consequence of life. While religious doctrines offer comfort through ideas of an afterlife, and science views death as a biological challenge to be postponed. Conversely, philosophy advocates for an intellectual acceptance of death's inevitability. The Stoic Philosophy, in particular, advocate for the joyful acceptance of death as an integral part of life. This philosophical stance fosters a positive perspective on death, encouraging individuals to live life to its fullest potential. Embracing death with joy entails psychological reassurance and preparatory measures for life's inevitable end. This qualitative study explores psychological preparation for death using primary and secondary data sources. Primary sources include the philosophical texts by Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, specifically "Letters to Lucilius," "On the Shortness of Life," and "Meditations." Secondary data is collected from peer-reviewed journals, books, and reports that contextualize these works within modern psychological frameworks. The primary audience includes individuals preparing for death due to age or illness and those grieving loved ones, offering a pathway to peace and understanding through Stoic wisdom. Moreover, this will be a guidance to those who work with the terminally ill people to get psychological resilience. By embracing death, Stoicism encourages both the dying and the bereaved to find psychological reassurance and encourage all to live a meaningful life in the given time frame.

Penerapan Kearifan Lokal Samosir dalam Mengeksplorasi Bentuk-Bentuk Geometri

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the Batak people in Samosir use their local knowledge to understand geometric shapes. The literature review research method, which is a data collection strategy focused on the evaluation of relevant and current scientific literature related to the research problem, is used in this publication. The data sources in the study came from Google Scholar, Scopus, and SINTA. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the data analysis show that the way local knowledge is applied to the study of geometric forms shows how Batak culture has used geometric principles in religious ceremonies as well as art and construction. In addition to having a practical and aesthetic purpose, these geometric shapes have a deep philosophical feel that enhances the cultural identity and bond of the community with nature and its ancestors. Through the local wisdom of the Batak people in Samosir, geometric ideas have been successfully identified and applied to various parts of their lives, including traditional house buildings, traditional artifacts, and ulos weaving crafts. Overall, this study shows how the concept of geometry is used organically by Batak local wisdom, which is essential for preserving community peace, fostering cultural identity, and fostering spiritual ties with nature and ancestors.

Determination of Comfort Levels and Spiritual Care Needs of Gynecologic Cancer Patients with Abdominal Drains: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study in Turkey.

This study was conducted to determine the comfort levels and spiritual care needs of gynecologic cancer patients with abdominal drains. The study was conducted with 61 gynecologic cancer patients with abdominal drains at the gynecologic oncology surgery clinic of a state hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the "Participant Information Form," "Perianesthesia Comfort Questionnaire (PCQ)", and "Spiritual Care Needs Inventory". Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. It was found that the postoperative comfort of the patients in this study was above a moderate level. Patients who did not need spiritual care, did not fulfil religious rituals regularly and did not receive social support had a high level of comfort in the early postoperative period. Patients with gynecologic cancer were found to have high spiritual care needs. Patients without chronic diseases, possessing a single abdominal drain, familiar with the concept of spiritual care, expressing a need for spiritual care, engaging in regular religious rituals, and enjoying social support were identified as having elevated spiritual care needs. Within the framework of holistic nursing care provided to gynecologic cancer patients with abdominal drains, the results reveal the necessity of spiritual care and the importance of comfort.

An Analysis on Caste Practices and the Vulnerabilities Faced by Burial Ground Workers in Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state combined with multi-religious, multi-ethnic and inequality. Formally, Caste is being an indispensable part of cremation process. Whether it is traditional or new techniques it all based on the caste practices followed by each community. The aim of the study is to analysis the caste practices and the vulnerabilities faced by cremation ground workers. It deals with the burying process and preparation of crematorium. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the status and caste differences faced by the crematorium workers in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. The objectives of the Study have discussed to study the discrimination faced by burial ground workers. To analysis the impact of discrimination and the status of crematory workers. To Enact an inclusive policy to build up the marginalized cremation workforce in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. Result of the study implementing the policy measures to create a more inclusive, social and economic equality for the burial ground workers, addressing longstanding gender and caste disparities. These policies aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for burial ground workers by addressing gender and caste disparities. Formalizing employment, enacting anti-discrimination laws, and ensuring job security will offer stability and recognition for those in this essential industry, fostering social justice and equality. Findings of the study on Caste intersects with class, gender, and religion, creating complex layers of discrimination that particularly affect burial ground workers, who often face social stigma and marginalization. Predominantly from lower caste, these workers endure systemic discrimination, low wages, job insecurity, and significant occupational hazards, such as exposure to pathogens and harsh working conditions, all while playing a crucial role in public health and the execution of cultural and religious rituals. Living in segregated communities, their families experience social ostracism and limited access to essential services, yet they demonstrate resilience through community solidarity, with local organizations advocating for their rights and improved conditions. Conclusion of the study have the caste system's deep-rooted influence continues to affect Indian society, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts toward social justice. Burial ground workers play a critical, yet often overlooked, role, facing social stigma and poor working conditions. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, social, and economic interventions. Recognizing their contributions and vulnerabilities has been essential for fostering greater inclusivity and equality in the society. This study emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting these workers to promote social progress.

Research on animation design of woodblock print characters based on audience aesthetic differences

Traditional woodblock prints are a kind of Chinese folk traditional painting art, with a long history and unique artistic style. It has a long history and unique artistic style. The richness of its themes and wide range of applications cover many aspects such as New Year festivals, wedding banquets and birthday celebrations, religious rituals and lanterns and toys. The wide range of themes and wide range of applications of woodblock prints creates a rich and colourful connotation, especially traditional stories and character images, which constitute an important part of the woodblock prints, there are very rich story resources and character resources in the woodblock prints for animation creators to refer to, different creators of woodblock prints have different understandings and re-designs, and the audience has mixed feelings about the effect of character design. With the development of modern animation production technology and the increasing attention to traditional culture, more and more practitioners have begun to explore the animation of story characters in the non-heritage culture, and this paper aims to explore the feasible path of animation of the elements in woodblock prints under the aesthetic differences.

The Janus Face of Morality & the Two Roots of Moral Foundations

Purpose: The intrinsic dynamics of altruism have not been adequately addressed in the morality literature. This study reduces the gap by constructing a framework, in the triangle of self, sacrifice and morality. Theoretical Framework: Regular meditative processes accompanied by a mantra, increases the value projection capacity of the self, and therefore increases the value attributed to human and transcendent conceptions; while liberals and conservatives project different levels of value on these conceptions in the first place. As a result of the increase, sensitivity to the difference between things that happen and (moral) things that should happen increases and attempts to bridge this gap, often require altruism. Method: To test this framework, altruism level of 230 subjects towards 'human' and 'transcendent conceptions' (THCS) was measured and associated with the MFQ, and the frequency of transcendental meditative experiences of the same sample was questioned. Results and Discussion: While sacrifice towards human was equally correlated with five foundations of the MFQ, sacrifice towards transcendent conceptions correlated at a higher level with only the binding foundations. It was also observed that those who conduct transandantal-meditative states via various rituals, and especially those who experienced ‘awe’ during these processes, achieved significantly higher scores on both the THCS and the MFQ as a whole. Finally, the morality literature was assessed with the help of the current theoretical framework. Research Implications: It seems that ancient rituals are powerful tools for the establishment of morality. Orginality: The relationship between morality and ‘religious ritual induced awe’ has been questioned statistically for the first time through the MFQ.

Spiritual Challenges of Family Caregivers of Patients in a Vegetative State: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Background: Spirituality helps family caregivers of vegetative state patients to overcome the stressful conditions of patient care. However, the illness and caregiver burden may also negatively affect the caregiver’s spirituality. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the challenges of family caregivers of patients in a vegetative state. Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted through conventional content analysis from August 2020 to September 2021 in two provinces of Iran (Sistan and Baluchestan and Khorasan Razavi). A total of 20 family caregivers of patients in a vegetative state were included in the study. Semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data. Data were analyzed using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman via MAXQDA2020 software. Data collection continued until data saturation and identification of main categories. Results: Based on data analysis, spiritual disintegration and spiritual coherence were identified as the two main categories to describe the spiritual challenges of family caregivers of patients in a vegetative state. The experiences of family caregivers showed that spirituality is effective in accepting the conditions and adapting to the role of the patient caregiver. However, illness and caregiver burden lead to spiritual damage and the turning away of family caregivers from performing religious rites and rituals. Conclusion: Considering the undeniable role of spirituality in dealing with the stressful situation of caring for a patient in a vegetative state, the spiritual needs of family caregivers and the implementation of nursing interventions to enhance the spiritual health of caregivers should be given more attention.