Exploring the mediating effects of negative and positive religious coping between resilience and mental well-being

Abstract

Background:The purpose of the study was to examine more thoroughly the relationship between trait resilience and mental well-being. Although research demonstrates that this relationship is partially mediated by stress-related variables, no study has taken into account the mediating role of religious coping. We examined the mediating role of both variants of religious coping, positive and negative, along with specific strategies within the scope of religious coping strategies in a group of practicing Catholics.Method:Participants were 317 people aged 19–60 years (M = 24.34; SD = 6.30). The respondents indicated their gender and age, and then completed the RS-14 (trait resilience), RCOPE (religious coping), and WEMWBS (mental well-being) scales.Results:The results displayed a significant relationship between resilience and mental well-being (r = 0.67; p < 0.001). The relationship between resilience and positive religious coping was negligible (r = 0.09; p = 0.74), contrary to the relationship between resilience and negative coping that was significant but weak (r = −0.29; p < 0.001). Although the relationships between overall negative and positive religious coping with mental well-being were irrelevant, we found significant relationships between some strategies and mental well-being. The mediation analysis has demonstrated that the general negative religious coping and the strategies of demonic reappraisal, passive religious deferral, and spiritual discontent have enhanced the positive relationship between resilience and mental well-being. Contrary to expectation, positive strategies did not mediate the relationship between resilience and mental well-being, except religious practices (c′path totaled β = 0.66; t = 15.74, p < 0.001). The insignificant mediation effect can stem from the fact that the relationship between positive religious coping and stress is noticeable only in the long term. We controlled age and sex as statistically significant covariates so that the mediation effects obtained were devoid of the influence of those critical variables on the models.Conclusion:This is the first study to investigate the role of religious coping as a mediator in the relationship between resilience and mental well-being.

Religious coping and suicidal ideation as a predictive model for suicide attempts

“…However, it was identified that there is a relationship between stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, [15] and it also highlights the weak negative association between negative coping and resilience. [23] In the present study, suicide attempt as an outcome and the other variables performing as predictors configured a higher sensitivity (96.8%) compared to the previous models. In this regard, a cohort study revealed that suicide attempt rates were three times higher in individuals with a previous ideation background or even attempts.…”

“…[22] The RCOPE scale has been used in researches about relationship between anxiety and depression symptons [15] and as mediating effect between resilience and well-being. [23] 2.3 Procedures 2.3.1 Data collection Initially, phone contacts and traveling to the intended locations were performed, aiming to reach potential participants; the instruments were self-applicable, lasting approximately 20 minutes. Invitations referring to the study were also released through electronic means/social networks, so that other individuals could learn about the research.…”