Church‐Based Social Support and Religious Coping

Abstract

The purpose of this study is twofold: to explore the nature of church‐based social support, and to see whether support received in religious settings is related to the use of religious coping methods. The data come from a nationwide survey of members of the Presbyterian Church USA. Three dimensions of religious support are examined in detail: emotional support from church members, spiritual support from church members, and emotional support from the pastor. These dimensions of support are used to evaluate an issue that has been largely overlooked in the literature—the relationship between religious support and religious coping. The findings reveal that people are especially inclined to use positive religious coping responses when they receive spiritual support from church members. Even though emotional support from the pastor also increases the use of religious coping methods, the relationship is not as strong. Finally, emotional support from church members has no effect.

Prayer, Meditation, and Anxiety: Durkheim Revisited

“…Religious beliefs are given efficacy through congregationally based networks that collectively reinforce values and serve as critical conduits of social support. Religious networks cultivated through attendance at worship services, prayer groups, and scripture study fellowships can also serve as a structural vehicle for the dissemination of essential coping strategies (Krause et al 2001). Such coping strategies may entail guidance on the nature, tenor, and substance of prayer, among other aspects of religious life.…”

Colorectal cancer knowledge, cancer fatalism, and religious coping among individuals attending an African American church

“…Others who have similar problems can often be found in a church setting [26] . Individuals who attend church can benefit from using religion as a coping mechanism because church attendees can offer solutions and strategies for handling problems [26] . When compared to other ethnic and racial groups, African Americans are more likely to report a religious affiliation [27] .…”

“…In fact, 87% of African Americans identify as being members of a religious group [27] . Religion provides many African Americans with a tool to cope with fatalistic oppositions, such as oppression, discrimination, and subjugation [26][27][28] . African Americans often turn to religion for social and emotional support [26] .…”

“…Religion provides many African Americans with a tool to cope with fatalistic oppositions, such as oppression, discrimination, and subjugation [26][27][28] . African Americans often turn to religion for social and emotional support [26] . Thus, the church has a central role in supporting African Americans, especially as they experience stressful life experiences.…”

Religious Socialisation and Fertility: Transition to Third Birth in The Netherlands

“…Church networks are relevant for childbearing in several ways. First of all, members of church networks exchange emotional, tangible, informational and spiritual support (Taylor and Chatters 1988;Ellison and George 1994;Krause et al 2001;Chatters et al 2002). Researchers have confirmed the relevance of social support for fertility decisions (Schoen et al 1997;Bühler and Philipov 2005;Philipov et al 2006).…”