The role of religiosity as a coping resource for relatives of critically ill patients in Greece

Abstract

Critical care hospitalisation is emotionally overwhelming for the relatives of patients. Research has shown that religiosity is an effective coping resource for people with health related problems and has been correlated with better health outcomes. However the processes by which religiosity is utilized and its effects on relatives of critically ill patients have not been adequately explored. This article presents relatives' experiences and processes of religiosity; it is part of a wider grounded theory study on the experiences of critically ill patients' relatives in Greece. Twenty-five relatives of patients in the intensive care units of three public general district hospitals in Athens, Greece, participated in 19 interviews. Religiosity was found to be the main source of hope, strength and courage for relatives and was expressed with church/monastery attendance, belief in God, praying, and performing religious rituals. Health care professionals should pay attention and understand these aspects of coping.

Anxiety, depression, and satisfaction in close relatives of patients in an open visiting policy intensive care unit in Brazil

“…Religious belief is an effective coping resource for people with heathrelated problems and a main source of hope [29]. We found that nonCatholic religion was associated with family dissatisfaction.…”

Health-related religious rituals of the Greek Orthodox Church: their uptake and meanings

“…Religiosity has been found to be an effective coping resource in a number of stressful situations (Kloosterhouse & Ames , Holt & McClure , Yick , Plakas et al . ) and in dealing with cancer among patients from different cultures, ethnicities and religions (Choumanova et al . , Taleghani et al .…”

“…The relationship between religion and health has generated great research interest in recent years across a variety of disciplines. Religiosity has been found to be an effective coping resource in a number of stressful situations (Kloosterhouse & Ames 2002, Holt & McClure 2006, Yick 2008, Plakas et al 2011) and in dealing with cancer among patients from different cultures, ethnicities and religions (Choumanova et al 2006, Taleghani et al 2006, Koffman et al 2008. Religion can reduce adult mortality risk by promoting healthy behaviour (McCullough et al 2000, Powell et al 2003, Ellison & Hummer 2010, and religious attendance is associated with better self-reported health levels across Europe (Nicholson et al 2009).…”

A Commentary on Michael King. “The Challenge of Research into Religion and Spirituality.” Journal for the Study of Spirituality 4 (2014): 106–20

“…They are empowered to search for meaning and purpose in the current reality of their lives. Through the expression of religion at critical times in illness patients and families may also garner hope, courage, strength and gain a sense of peace that facilitates them to cope with the incredible emotional demands on their person [21].…”