Research code: 0
Ethics code: IR.IAU.YAZD.REC.1401.061
Clinical trials code: 0
slamic Azad University Yazd , fallahyazd@iauyazd.ac.ir
Abstract: (59 Views)
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges across various sectors of the global economy, leading to significant loss of human life worldwide. This pandemic has had detrimental effects on religion, society, and the economy (Mortazavi et al., 2022). During the pandemic, mental health issues such as depression and stress were also observed among healthcare workers. The multiple psychological problems experienced by various groups during the pandemic were highlighted in Bentzen's (2021) study on religious coping, which showed that over 95 countries experienced an increase in religious practices such as prayer due to the pandemic. Religion serves as a source of coping in the face of various challenges, including health-related issues, as it has the ability to influence health, illness, diagnosis, recovery, and loss (Sherman, 2020).
The impact of COVID-19 continues to affect individuals and social life globally. Beyond its obvious physical consequences, COVID-19 is associated with adverse psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (Bouraz et al., 2020; Haristova & Karastoyanov, 2021; Bakrachova et al., 2020, 2021). Empirical data also indicates a relationship between increased religiosity and a greater inclination to believe in conspiracy theories, as well as an increase in prayer during the early stages of the pandemic (Boguzski et al., 2020). Religious narratives reveal perspectives on the pandemic within the framework of religious beliefs, suggesting that religious individuals often turn to their beliefs, values, and support systems to cope with stress and challenges (Pargament, 1997).
Individuals typically use religious resources to find meaning in their experiences during traumatic events (Fedor et al., 2013; Park, 2016). Researchers in the field of religious coping argue that people strive to maintain their understanding of a higher power during difficult times. Specifically, Pargament outlined five forms of religious coping aimed at different objectives, including seeking comfort and closeness to God, fostering intimacy with others, finding meaning, gaining control, and achieving life transformation. Positive religious coping is generally associated with better health outcomes, while negative coping is linked to poorer well-being (Pargament et al., 2004; Aminoddin et al., 2024).
The need for spirituality, despite its inherent origin and existential demands, typically becomes apparent after individuals are relatively freed from concerns about livelihood and basic needs. It is evident that only by alleviating these types of needs can individuals find the possibility and mental readiness for any form of spiritual journey (Sharaf al-Din, 2017). The emotional component of spiritual lifestyle styles plays a crucial role in cognitive re-evaluation and anxiety disorders (Wong et al., 2018). Research evidence suggests that emotional components are not only associated with improved health and psychological and social benefits but can also help individuals manage many work-related challenges (Wander Linden et al., 2017).
Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to significant resource loss, prompting individuals to engage in coping strategies, including the utilization of religious and emotional resources, to navigate negative emotions in the face of adversity (Zhang et al., 2021). Therefore, it is essential to investigate how religion influences the psychological processes of perception and stress coping in our country during and after the pandemic.
Given the aforementioned points, the researcher is motivated to conduct this study, seeking answers to questions such as how and with what qualitative indicators the components of Islamic coping styles can be designed and formulated in the post-COVID era. What is the contribution of each of these indicators? What are the constructive variables of these components?
Methodology
This exploratory survey research employs a mixed-methods approach for data collection. Initially, a comprehensive review of the theoretical foundations and literature related to the research topic was conducted through library research. In the framework development and component analysis, data were gathered using a semi-structured interview protocol designed based on theoretical literature and expert opinions. To achieve the conceptual model of the research, thematic network analysis was utilized.
In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was employed, a widely used analytical technique in qualitative research that effectively identifies patterns within qualitative data. Thematic analysis serves as a process for analyzing textual data, transforming scattered and diverse data into rich and detailed information (Clarke, 2006).
Considering the temporal and spatial scope of the research, the precise framework of the target population was determined, followed by the method of sampling. The researcher aimed to identify the community and ascertain its relevant parameters. If the target population is small, it can be studied entirely; otherwise, a specific number of individuals must be selected to infer community characteristics. The sample for this qualitative research, consisting of individuals with a minimum of five years of experience and adequate knowledge in the field, was chosen based on their willingness to participate in interviews. The sample size continued until theoretical saturation was reached, resulting in approximately 20 participants.
In qualitative research, particularly thematic analysis, the sample size is equated with data saturation (Moghaddam et al., 2016). The primary data collection tool in the qualitative phase was a semi-structured interview. The content validity of the research tool was established through expert opinions, ensuring that the interview protocol effectively gathered the necessary qualitative data.
Key Components of Spiritual Lifestyle Based on Coding Results
Based on the coding results, the main components of a spiritual lifestyle include the following:
1. Awareness of the Philosophy of Existence and the Purposefulness of the Universe
These components and indicators highlight the importance of various aspects of spirituality in personal and social life. Paying attention to these principles can significantly enhance life quality and increase inner peace. If you need further analysis or explanations, please let me know!
Discussion and Conclusion
The present research aimed to develop and design the cognitive and emotional components of a spiritual lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the importance of these components in coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Research Stages
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges across various sectors of the global economy, leading to significant loss of human life worldwide. This pandemic has had detrimental effects on religion, society, and the economy (Mortazavi et al., 2022). During the pandemic, mental health issues such as depression and stress were also observed among healthcare workers. The multiple psychological problems experienced by various groups during the pandemic were highlighted in Bentzen's (2021) study on religious coping, which showed that over 95 countries experienced an increase in religious practices such as prayer due to the pandemic. Religion serves as a source of coping in the face of various challenges, including health-related issues, as it has the ability to influence health, illness, diagnosis, recovery, and loss (Sherman, 2020).
The impact of COVID-19 continues to affect individuals and social life globally. Beyond its obvious physical consequences, COVID-19 is associated with adverse psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (Bouraz et al., 2020; Haristova & Karastoyanov, 2021; Bakrachova et al., 2020, 2021). Empirical data also indicates a relationship between increased religiosity and a greater inclination to believe in conspiracy theories, as well as an increase in prayer during the early stages of the pandemic (Boguzski et al., 2020). Religious narratives reveal perspectives on the pandemic within the framework of religious beliefs, suggesting that religious individuals often turn to their beliefs, values, and support systems to cope with stress and challenges (Pargament, 1997).
Individuals typically use religious resources to find meaning in their experiences during traumatic events (Fedor et al., 2013; Park, 2016). Researchers in the field of religious coping argue that people strive to maintain their understanding of a higher power during difficult times. Specifically, Pargament outlined five forms of religious coping aimed at different objectives, including seeking comfort and closeness to God, fostering intimacy with others, finding meaning, gaining control, and achieving life transformation. Positive religious coping is generally associated with better health outcomes, while negative coping is linked to poorer well-being (Pargament et al., 2004; Aminoddin et al., 2024).
The need for spirituality, despite its inherent origin and existential demands, typically becomes apparent after individuals are relatively freed from concerns about livelihood and basic needs. It is evident that only by alleviating these types of needs can individuals find the possibility and mental readiness for any form of spiritual journey (Sharaf al-Din, 2017). The emotional component of spiritual lifestyle styles plays a crucial role in cognitive re-evaluation and anxiety disorders (Wong et al., 2018). Research evidence suggests that emotional components are not only associated with improved health and psychological and social benefits but can also help individuals manage many work-related challenges (Wander Linden et al., 2017).
Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to significant resource loss, prompting individuals to engage in coping strategies, including the utilization of religious and emotional resources, to navigate negative emotions in the face of adversity (Zhang et al., 2021). Therefore, it is essential to investigate how religion influences the psychological processes of perception and stress coping in our country during and after the pandemic.
Given the aforementioned points, the researcher is motivated to conduct this study, seeking answers to questions such as how and with what qualitative indicators the components of Islamic coping styles can be designed and formulated in the post-COVID era. What is the contribution of each of these indicators? What are the constructive variables of these components?
Methodology
This exploratory survey research employs a mixed-methods approach for data collection. Initially, a comprehensive review of the theoretical foundations and literature related to the research topic was conducted through library research. In the framework development and component analysis, data were gathered using a semi-structured interview protocol designed based on theoretical literature and expert opinions. To achieve the conceptual model of the research, thematic network analysis was utilized.
In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was employed, a widely used analytical technique in qualitative research that effectively identifies patterns within qualitative data. Thematic analysis serves as a process for analyzing textual data, transforming scattered and diverse data into rich and detailed information (Clarke, 2006).
Considering the temporal and spatial scope of the research, the precise framework of the target population was determined, followed by the method of sampling. The researcher aimed to identify the community and ascertain its relevant parameters. If the target population is small, it can be studied entirely; otherwise, a specific number of individuals must be selected to infer community characteristics. The sample for this qualitative research, consisting of individuals with a minimum of five years of experience and adequate knowledge in the field, was chosen based on their willingness to participate in interviews. The sample size continued until theoretical saturation was reached, resulting in approximately 20 participants.
In qualitative research, particularly thematic analysis, the sample size is equated with data saturation (Moghaddam et al., 2016). The primary data collection tool in the qualitative phase was a semi-structured interview. The content validity of the research tool was established through expert opinions, ensuring that the interview protocol effectively gathered the necessary qualitative data.
Key Components of Spiritual Lifestyle Based on Coding Results
Based on the coding results, the main components of a spiritual lifestyle include the following:
1. Awareness of the Philosophy of Existence and the Purposefulness of the Universe
- Indicators:
- Deep understanding of life and its purpose.
- Recognition of universal laws and their impact on daily life.
- Indicators:
- Sense of peace and hope in facing mistakes.
- Motivation for behavior correction and returning to the right path.
- Indicators:
- Confidence in divine power when facing challenges.
- Use of prayer and supplication as sources of strength.
- Indicators:
- Satisfaction with what one has and avoidance of greed.
- Focus on blessings and expressing gratitude.
- Indicators:
- Effort to uphold ethical and humane principles.
- Engaging in positive and virtuous actions as part of daily life.
- Indicators:
- Seeking help and intercession from holy figures.
- Utilizing specific prayers during difficult times.
- Indicators:
- Study and interpretation of Quranic verses as a source of inspiration.
- Applying Quranic teachings in daily life.
- Indicators:
- Engaging in worship as a means to draw closer to God.
- Making vows as a sign of faith and belief.
- Indicators:
- Performing charitable acts and assisting others as part of a spiritual life.
- Feeling social and moral responsibility towards others.
These components and indicators highlight the importance of various aspects of spirituality in personal and social life. Paying attention to these principles can significantly enhance life quality and increase inner peace. If you need further analysis or explanations, please let me know!
Discussion and Conclusion
The present research aimed to develop and design the cognitive and emotional components of a spiritual lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the importance of these components in coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Research Stages
- Literature Review:
- A draft educational package was prepared.
- The package was structured into 12 sessions.
- Content of the Sessions:
- Session 1: Introduction and identification of God's attributes.
- Session 2: Teaching about purposefulness and the philosophy of existence.
- Session 3: Education on the afterlife and resurrection.
- Session 4: Emphasis on God's willingness to forgive and the attributes of prophets.
- Session 5: The impact of reliance on God during hardships.
- Session 6: Familiarization with the lives of the infallibles.
- Session 7: Decision-making skills.
- Session 8: Contentment and gratitude.
- Session 9: Reminding of divine blessings.
- Session 10: Resisting sin and performing good deeds.
- Session 11: Ability to perform religious acts and patience.
- Session 12: Understanding divine destiny and the role of charity.
- Cognitive Components:
- Awareness of the philosophy of existence and the purposefulness of the universe.
- Attention to God's willingness to forgive.
- The impact of reliance on God during difficulties.
- Contentment for achieving peace.
- Resisting sin and performing good deeds.
- Helping the needy.
- Emotional Components:
- The impact of reliance on God during adversities.
- Contentment for achieving peace and positive thinking.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Clinical Psychiatry
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