The impact of negative life events (NLEs) on spirituality: a qualitative study on the perspectives of Nigerian Catholic women religious in the United States

ABSTRACT

Limited studies exist about how negative life events (NLEs) influence spirituality, particularly that of the Nigerian Catholic sisters living in the United States. Twenty sisters were interviewed. Content analysis of transcripts generated four themes. The themes followed a specific pattern of dealing with an adverse life situation, beginning with 1) the basic instant internal reactions to the stressor. 2) Movement from self-absorption toward an expanded view of life through reframing the NLE using spiritual approaches. 3) Outcomes of the process. This research highlights the need for spirituality to be integrated into clinical practice to improve the mental health of individuals.

KEYWORDS:

• Spirituality
• negative life events
• catholic
• women
• religious

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy whose sisters participated in this research. Special thanks goes to Sr. Cosmas Mary Njoku, the Regional Councilor and Rev. Cyprian Onyeihe for their support and encouragement.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.