The Role of Spirituality in Coping with Chronic Illness

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the role of spirituality in coping with chronic illness, focusing on how spiritual practices, support systems, and personal beliefs influence the daily lives and overall well-being of individuals living with chronic conditions. This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews with 23 participants diagnosed with various chronic illnesses for at least one year. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was reached and analyzed using NVivo software. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and subthemes from the interview transcripts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the participants' experiences. The study identified four main themes: Spiritual Practices, Support Systems, Personal Spiritual Beliefs, and Impact on Daily Life. Spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and reading sacred texts were reported by all participants as significant coping mechanisms. Support systems, including family support, religious communities, and spiritual mentors, were crucial for 20 participants. Personal beliefs, such as faith in a higher power and finding meaning in illness, were significant for 18 participants. The impact on daily life included improved coping mechanisms, emotional well-being, and life satisfaction, as reported by 19 participants. Spirituality plays a vital role in coping with chronic illness, providing emotional support, enhancing resilience, and improving overall well-being. The findings underscore the importance of integrating spiritual care into healthcare practices to better support patients' holistic needs. Future research should explore the long-term effects of spiritual practices on health outcomes and evaluate the efficacy of spiritual care interventions in clinical settings.