Spiritual coping strategies of patients dealing with depression

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive exploratory study, was to explore spiritual coping strategies in patients with depression. Qualitative data were collected by means of a semi-structured interview, designed for this study. The latter was based on literature and the (SCS) Scale (Baldacchino, 2003). The interviews were conducted in Maltese, in order to achieve better expression of ideas. A convenience sample of 10 Maltese patients were chosen from the local mental health hospital, with a response rate of 100%. The sample included 3 females and 7 males, aged between 40 and 60 years. The Cognitive Theory of Stress and Coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), was used as guidance for this research study. The results of this study indicated that spiritual coping strategies consist of various religious and non religious dimensions. This study had two main objectives, namely, to explore the use of religious coping strategies and assess the non-religious coping methods used by patients recovering in hospital. Three themes emerged from the interviews, which were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim by the researcher. Burnard's framework of qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. The themes which emerged from the data were the use of religious coping, use of non religious coping and help derived from spiritual coping strategies. These coping methods were found to help patients to cope with stress, have a positive outlook on life, and have more hope for a better future during their time of illness. Recommendations were oriented towards he care given in the clinical practice, further research and awareness of the nurses' role in spiritual coping strategies in depression.