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Spiritual fortitude: A systematic review of the literature and implications for COVID-19 coping

Authors :
Stacey E. McElroy-Heltzel
Laura E. Captari
Don E. Davis
Adam S. Hodge
Daryl R. Van Tongeren
Jamie D. Aten
Hansong Zhang
Laura Shannonhouse
Joshua N. Hook
Edward B. Davis
Source :
Spirituality in Clinical Practice. 8:229-244
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
American Psychological Association (APA), 2021.

Abstract

Traumatic events, such as natural disasters, often lead to significant resource loss for survivors, which can negatively affect emotional well-being. In these situations, it is common for people to draw on their religious or spiritual faith to cope with their pain and struggle. One construct that has received increased attention within the field of religious/spiritual coping is spiritual fortitude (SF). SF refers to one's ability to draw on spiritual resources to transcend negative emotions in the face of stressors (Van Tongeren et al., 2019). In this review, we analyze eight empirical studies with 3,455 total participants. Specifically, we explore the relationship between SF and mental health and well-being, with a particular focus on its role in traumatic contexts (e.g., natural disasters). SF has been found to demonstrate a series of positive mental health benefits including higher meaning in life, spiritual well-being, positive religious coping, and perceived posttraumatic growth. We discuss areas for future research and implications for clinical practice, with specific consideration to coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Details

ISSN :
23264519 and 23264500
Volume :
8
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Spirituality in Clinical Practice
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........f8f01e75149550b882bed00e627ac78b
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000267