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01-10-2015 | Original Paper

Spirituality, Religion, and Health: The Role of Communication, Appraisals, and Coping for Individuals Living with Chronic Illness

Authors: Katherine A. Rafferty, Ashley K. Billig, Katie E. Mosack

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 5/2015

Abstract

Currently, 10 % of Americans are living with a chronic illness. One coping mechanism for individuals living with chronic illness is religion and/or spiritual (R/S). To better explicate the relationship among R/S and psychological well-being, we conceptualize R/S as an interpersonal process involving conversations that may facilitate positive reappraisals. We use a mixed-method approach from data collected from 106 participants, involving a content analysis of R/S conversations and test Burleson and Goldsmith’s (Handbook of communication and emotion: research, theory, applications, and contexts, Academic Press, San Diego, pp 245–280, 1998) appraisal-based comforting model. Partial support for the model was found. In addition, the majority of R/S conversations were considered positive, helpful, and supportive. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

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Title: Spirituality, Religion, and Health: The Role of Communication, Appraisals, and Coping for Individuals Living with Chronic Illness
Authors: Katherine A. Rafferty
Ashley K. Billig
Katie E. Mosack
Publication date: 01-10-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 5/2015
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-014-9965-5

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Spirituality, Religion, and Health: The Role of Communication, Appraisals, and Coping for Individuals Living with Chronic Illness

Abstract

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