Religion, Spirituality, and Ethnicity

Abstract

Caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) provide an inordinate and escalating level of care. It has been postulated that: (1) religious beliefs and/or spirituality may assist individuals in their caregiving efforts; and (2) coping strategies may vary depending on ethnicity. The intent of this pilot study was to examine these theories by interviewing five African-American and five white caregivers of persons with AD using demographic and open-ended questions regarding spirituality, religious practices, and ethnicity. Five themes were identified regarding the development of the caregivers' beliefs and practices: 1. later life development of beliefs; 2. religious training and practices; 3. family influences; 4. impact of ethnicity on caregiving; and 5. impact of spirituality and religion on caregiving. All caregivers felt their spirituality and/or religious practices shaped how they approached providing care and all reported that they were influenced by their ethnic background. Most stated that religious practices and spirituality affected how they felt about providing care and that religion and spirituality helped them deal with difficult challenges. Through a better understanding of the importance of different coping mechanisms among caregivers, professionals are able to provide more sensitive care to persons of diverse groups.

A randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of a family-focused, culturally informed therapy for schizophrenia.

“…Thus, the emphasis of CIT-S on family collectivism and spirituality in confronting the illness may make the treatment approach especially relevant and culturally sanctioned for minorities. On the other hand, research suggests that perceived family unity (Varela, Sanchez-Sosa, Biggs, & Luis, 2009) and spirituality (Nightingale, 2003) may benefit Whites coping with adversity as well. Because Whites may be less likely than their minority counterparts to already be engaging in spiritual practices and to turn to family for support, they may have even more to gain from a treatment intervention that incorporates these approaches.…”

Elderly African Americans Insights on the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study of Risk Perception and Personal, Social, and Cultural Factors

“…Previous research has indicated that African-Americans benefit physically, psychologically, and socially when they are involved with religious organizations [12]. Religion and religious institutions have assisted African-Americans both materially and psychologically [13] [14] [15] [16]. And research has consistently highlighted the importance of the African-American church for individuals, couples, and families.…”

Personality Dimensions, Religious Tendencies and Coping Strategies as Predictors of General Health in Iranian Mothers of Children With Intellectual Disability: A Comparison With Mothers of Typically Developing Children

“…(Chang et al 1998;Murray-Swank et al 2006;Pierce et al 2008). Nightingale (2003) reported that religion and spirituality help caregivers to deal with the hard challenges of patient's care. However, Hebert et al (2006) reviewed the literature on the relationship between religion ⁄ spirituality and well-being of caregivers and notified that most of the researches on this issue report a mixed and unclear relationship (e.g.…”

“…2008). Nightingale (2003) reported that religion and spirituality help caregivers to deal with the hard challenges of patient’s care. However, Hebert et al.…”