Religious Coping in Iranian Mothers of Children With Cancer: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Objective: Religious coping is one of the most frequently used coping methods in parents of children with cancer. This study aims to explain dimensions of religious coping in mothers of children with cancer in Iran.

Methods: In this qualitative content analysis, using purposeful sampling, 8 mothers of children with cancer were selected and interviewed. When saturation was achieved, data were analyzed through directed content analysis. Primary and secondary codes were placed in prelabeled categories and subcategories based on Pargament's religious coping theory.

Results: The participants of the study used coping methods in 4 of the 5 objectives of religious coping, that are meaning, control, comfort, and intimacy with others and closeness to God. Three of the most frequent used coping methods by the participants were "Punishing God Reappraisal," "Pleading for Direct Intercession," and "Benevolent Religious Reappraisal," respectively. None of the participants used religious coping methods for its function of "life transformation."

Conclusions: As suggested by Pargament's theory of religious coping, the dynamic, multidimensional process of religious coping has a culture-based pattern with unpredictable outcomes. Despite many similarities between religious coping in a Shia Muslim society and other studied ones, some differences are observed. Further studies are needed to show the potential evidence of the concept in relation to cultural diversity and religious differences.

Keywords: Iran; cancer; children; coping; mothers; religion.