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Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 3/2013

01-09-2013 | Original Paper

Spiritual Experiences of War Veterans Who Suffer from Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Qualitative Study

Authors: Masoud Sirati Nir, Abbas Ebadi, Masoud Fallahi Khoshknab, Abbas Tavallae

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 3/2013

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Abstract

Recognition of the spiritual experiences of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder may be helpful in their rehabilitation. Accordingly, the present study has been carried out to determine the spiritual experiences of Iranian Muslim warriors who suffer from the previously mentioned disorder. In this qualitative study, 22 patients were selected using an objective-based sampling method and underwent an individual, semi-structured thorough interview. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The spiritual experiences of the participants were divided into two main categories as follows: (1) religious attitude consisting of three sub-categories known as “religious beliefs,” “religious sentiments,” and “religious behaviors” and (2) a national sensibility that includes the two sub-categories of “patriotism” and “proud” of being injured for my homeland. The analysis of the participants’ spiritual experiences showed that their specific religious orientation and feelings of nationalism assisted with their improved ability to cope with the consequences of their disorder. Therefore, it is recommended that caregivers use patients’ spiritual values to help them cope more efficiently.
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Metadata
Title
Spiritual Experiences of War Veterans Who Suffer from Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Qualitative Study
Authors
Masoud Sirati Nir
Abbas Ebadi
Masoud Fallahi Khoshknab
Abbas Tavallae
Publication date
01-09-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-012-9629-2

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