The impact of negative life events (NLEs) on spirituality: a qualitative study on the perspectives of Nigerian Catholic women religious in the United States

Ekwonye, Angela U.; Nwosisi, Ngozi G.

doi:10.1080/19349637.2019.1674236

Cited by 4 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Africans generally rely on their faith as a vital source of strength and resilience regardless of their level of success (Ekwonye & Nwosisi, 2019). This was evident in the present study, which found that participants drew strength from their faith to help them endure the trauma of the pandemic.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 53%

Searching and Making Meaning of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of African Immigrants in the United States

Ekwonye

Truong

2021

Journal of Humanistic Psychology

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African immigrants continue to be disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear how they are searching for and finding meaning in the face of this adversity. This study sought to understand how African immigrants in the United States are searching for and making meaning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted in-depth interviews remotely with 20 immigrants from West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana), East Africa (Somali and Rwanda), and Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo). The meaning-making model was used as a framework to understand the processes of coping during a significant, adverse life event. The study found that some participants attempted to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their global meaning by seeking answers as to why the pandemic occurred and creating positive illusions. Some redefined their priorities and reframed the pandemic in a positive light. Participants found meaning in the form of accepting the pandemic as a reality of life, appreciating events previously taken for granted, and making positive changes in their lives. This study’s findings can inform health care providers of the meaning-making processes of African immigrants’ and the need to assist them in their search for meaning.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 53%

Searching and Making Meaning of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of African Immigrants in the United States

Ekwonye

Truong

2021

Journal of Humanistic Psychology

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“…We noted that faith in God, a core source of meaning for many African immigrants ( Ekwonye and Nwosisi, 2019 ), was negatively affected. Six participants questioned why God should allow the pandemic to occur.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…We noted that the pandemic significantly disrupted participants' relationships with friends and the faith community. These relationships are vital for African immigrants to navigate adverse life events ( Ekwonye and Nwosisi, 2019 ). Three-quarter of the participants expressed missing their friends and lack of emotional satisfaction.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Love and service toward others as sources of meaning in life are well documented in the literature ( Callister et al., 2019 ). Studies show that being of service to others creates an atmosphere of love, joy, inner peace, and healing ( Ekwonye and Nwosisi, 2019 ). However, the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic thwarted participants' ability to engage in different forms of service.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Social distancing may be more devastating to African immigrants who rely on their social, religious, and spiritual community to cope with and make meaning of significant negative situations ( Ekwonye and Nwosisi, 2019 ). African immigrants find solace and meaning by actively engaging with their social, religious, and spiritual community ( Ezenweke and Nwadialor, 2013 Ekwonye et al., 2018 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Meaning in life and impact of COVID-19 pandemic on African immigrants in the United States

Ekwonye

Ezumah

Nwosisi

2021

Wellbeing, Space and Society

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This study explored the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic impact, with its unprecedented isolation norm and social distancing requirements, on African immigrants in the United States. We focused on the sources of meaning in their daily lives, how they navigated their meaning-making process, and cultural proclivities amidst the official and unofficial mandates for social distancing. Additionally, we investigated the role technologies play in the entire process. A qualitative inquiry conducted virtually generated data from a sample of 20 participants. Results show that African immigrants derive meaning from social relationships, personal life goals, religious faith, service, and good health. The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly threatened participants' core meaning sources, which they rely on for life satisfaction, personal growth, and healing. Various emergent technologies helped in ameliorating the situation by providing conduits for participants to engage, albeit virtually, in most activities that positively impact their lives. This study highlights clinicians' need to integrate meaning in life discussions in their African immigrant patients' care and incorporate congruent technologies as needed.

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Spirituality: a psychological resource for managing academic-related stressors

Ekwonye

Sheikhomar

Phung

2020

Mental Health, Religion & Culture

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The impact of negative life events (NLEs) on spirituality: a qualitative study on the perspectives of Nigerian Catholic women religious in the United States

Cited by 4 publications

References 42 publications

Searching and Making Meaning of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of African Immigrants in the United States

Searching and Making Meaning of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of African Immigrants in the United States

Meaning in life and impact of COVID-19 pandemic on African immigrants in the United States

Spirituality: a psychological resource for managing academic-related stressors

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