Religious coping in life difficulties: a case study of Taiwanese folk religion female believers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate (1) the process of religious coping for female believers of Taiwanese folk religion; (2) religious coping resources and activities; and (3) mental health outcomes of religious coping. The process of religious coping found in this study is basically in line with the model proposed by Koenig et al. This study identifies religious coping sources that include belief in law of Karma, the power of gods, and mysterious power of shaman's ritual. This study also supports previous findings that religion beliefs and practices can change one's cognitive appraisal of negative event, and directly or indirectly reduce painful feelings, promote positive emotions and the development of human virtues.

Keywords:

• religious coping process
• religious coping resource
• religious practice
• mental health
• Taiwanese folk religion