Spirituality as a coping mechanism for family caregivers of persons with aphasia

Needs of families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Addis Ababa

“…When individuals cope, they overcome psychosocial disturbances in order to navigate and implement their own resources to adapt to challenges (Abiola, Udofia & Abiola 2011 ). Across the literature, the use of spirituality as a positive coping mechanism has been well documented amongst families and caregivers of those with disabilities (Hatun et al 2016 ; Masuku & Khoza-Shangase 2018 ; McNally & Mannan 2013 ). Beighton and Wills ( 2017 ) found that the use of spirituality as a coping mechanism provided parents with feelings of comfort because of having faith that God had purposely gifted them a child with a disability.…”

“…Furthermore, families often believe that because their disabled child is a gift from God, it is their moral duty to care for them (Hatun et al 2016 ). In an African-specific context, spirituality has been expressed as a strong belief in a higher power which allows families of children with disabilities to interpret and cope with their situation in the way of understanding it as out of their immediate control, but rather in the hands of God (Masuku & Khoza-Shangase 2018 ; McNally & Mannan 2013 ). Studies specific to Ethiopia, such as that by Fenta and Boon ( 2018 ), have stated that many individuals believe that their lives are under the control of a higher power.…”

Perspectives of working-age adults with aphasia regarding social participation

“…However, in LMICs, such as South Africa, faith plays an undeniable role in individuals’ definition of illness (Nweke & Eze 2019 ). Additionally, PWA describe feelings of confidence and support within their faith community, in which they feel comfortable socialising with others (Masuku & Khoza-Shangase 2018 ) as demonstrated in this study. This finding emphasises the influence of cultural and contextual factors in shaping participants’ perspectives of social participation.…”

“…This motivation may be attributed to their faith, as indicated by 70% of participants. Research demonstrates that faith may contribute to improved recovery because of its provision of a sense of identity and increased feelings of hope, strength and support (Laures-Gore et al 2018 ; Masuku & Khoza-Shangase 2018 ). The increased levels of hope may also be explained by the younger age of the sample, as it is evident that the experience of aphasia differs between working-age adults with aphasia and older individuals (Alaszewski & Wilkinson 2015 ).…”

“…However, results of the current study demonstrated the decline is not only because of the diagnosis of aphasia but also participants’ feelings and attitudes. Faith-related activities provide individuals with a sense of purpose, feelings of inclusivity, and in turn provide social support (Masuku & Khoza-Shangase 2018 ), thus possibly explaining participants’ choice of engaging with these particular situations, as opposed to others within the community. The relationship between spirituality, social participation and aphasia has not been extensively researched.…”