Abstract
This research investigates the influence of spiritual support on individuals' coping mechanisms in selected communities, particularly during grief. A survey was conducted with a sample size of 200 respondents to evaluate the availability, types, and effectiveness of spiritual support. The survey instrument consisted of statements rated on a scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. The findings indicate that the availability and types of spiritual support significantly impact individuals' coping mechanisms. Specific spiritual practices such as religious rituals and communal worship were perceived as more beneficial, while prayer and meditation were seen as less effective. The study also found a significant relationship between the level of spiritual support received and overall well-being, with higher levels of support correlating with better emotional health. Implementing specific recommendations, such as increasing the accessibility of spiritual counseling and opportunities for group prayers, was found to enhance the effectiveness of spiritual support systems. These results underscore the critical role of tailored and comprehensive spiritual support in helping individuals cope with grief.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Content
Page
Fly
Leaf…………………………………………………………..……………..i
Title
page:……………………………………………………………..…..……ii
Declaration:……………………….………………………………..…......……iii
Certification:……………………………..……………………........…….…….iv
Dedication:……………………………………………………………….……...v
Acknowledgement:……………………………………….……………...……..vi
Table
of Contents:………...………………………………………………...….vii
List
of Tables:…………………………..………………………………..…....viii
List
of Figures:…………………………………………………………..……...ix
List
of Abbreviations and Symbols:…………………………………………….xi
Abstract:………………………………………………………….……………xii
CHAPTER
ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study………………………….……….………………..1
1.2
Statement of the Problem………………………………..……….…………..2
1.3
Aim and Objectives of the Study……………………………….……………2
1.3.1 Aim of the Study…………………………………………………………..2
1.3.2 Objectives of the Study………………………………..………………….3
1.4 Research Questions and Hypotheses…………………...……………….…..3
1.4.1 Research Questions……………………………………………….………3
1.4.2 Research Hypotheses………………………………………………….…..4
1.5
Significance / Justification of the Study……………………………….……..5
1.6
Scope of the Study…………………………………………………….……..6
1.7 Limitation of the Study………………………………………………….…..6
1.8 Definition of Operational Terms…………………………………………….7
CHAPTER
TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction……………………………………………………...……...…..9
2.2 Historical Perspective………………………………………………...……..9
2.3 Theological Framework…………………………………...………………10
2.3.1
Theological Rationale…………………………………………………….13
2.4 Conceptual Framework……………………………………………...…….14
2.4.1 Historical Development of Spiritual
Support Systems…………………..15
2.4.2
Types of Spiritual Support………………………………………………..15
2.4.3 Availability of Spiritual Support in
Communities……………………….16
2.4.4 Impact of Spiritual Support on Coping
Mechanisms………………...…..17
2.4.5
Challenges in Accessing Spiritual Support………………………..……...17
2.4.6
Methodologies for Evaluating Effectiveness…………………….……….17
2.4.7
Psychological Outcomes of Spiritual Support……………………… ……18
2.4.8
Cultural and Contextual Factors………………………………………….18
2.4.9
Challenges and Limitations……………………………………………....18
2.4.10
Spiritual Practices in the Grieving Process……………………………..19
2.4.11
The Impact of Spiritual Support on Well-Being in Bereavement………21
2.5
Current Trends……………………………………………………..………23
2.6
Theoretical Framework……………………………………………….……24
2.6.1 The Dual Process Model of Coping with
Bereavement………..………..24
2.6.2
Meaning-Making Theory………………………………….……………..27
2.6.3
Attachment Theory…………………………….…………………………31
2.6.4
Social Support Theory……………………………………………………35
CHAPTER
THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction…………………………………………………….………….39
3.2
Research Design……………………………………………………………39
3.3
Location of the Study……………………………………………………….39
3.4 Population of the Study…………………………………………………....40
3.5
Sample Size and Sampling Techniques………………………………...…..40
3.5.1
Sample Size………………………………………………………………40
3.5.2 Sampling Technique………………………………………..……………40
3.6
Research Instrument………………………………………………………..41
3.7
Validity and Reliability…………………………………………………….41
3.7.1
Validity of the Instrument……………………………………….……….41
3.7.2
Reliability of the Instrument……………………………………………..41
3.8
Data Collection and Procedure……………………………………………..42
3.8.1
Administration of the Instrument…………………………………………42
3.9
Research Ethics…………………………………………………………….42
3.10 Data Analysis…………………...………………………………………..42
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………...44
4.2
Presentation of Findings……………………………………………………45
4.2.1
Demographic Results………………………………………………….…45
4.2.2 Test of Reliability………………………………………………………..52
4.2.3
Synopsis of Pastoral Care………………………………………………..52
4.2.4
synopsis of Pastoral Care……………………………………………...…53
4.2.5
Synopsis of Prayer and Meditation………………………………………55
4.2.6
Synopsis of Religious Rituals…………………………………………….56
4.2.7
Synopsis of Communal Support……………………………………...…..57
4.2.8
Synopsis of Spiritual Counseling…………………………………………58
4.2.9
Synopsis of Coping with the death of a family member…………………60
4.3
Testing of Hypothesis……………………….……………………………...61
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS
5.1
Introduction……………………………………….……………..……..…..64
5.2 Discussion of Findings:………………………….…………………………65
CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION,
RECOMMENDATION AND SUGGESTION FOR FURTHER STUDY
6.1 Introduction……………………………………………………….……….70
6.2 Summary of Findings………………………………………………………70
6.3 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………71
6.4 Recommendations………………………………………………………….71
6.5 Suggestions for Further Study…………………………………….………..72
References………………………………………………………...……………73
List of Tables:
Table 1: Frequency table of
Gender Distribution of Participants………………45
Table 2: Descriptive
statistics for Age Group of Participants …………….…46
Table 3: Frequency table of Marital Status Distribution
of Participants ………47
Table 4: Frequency Table of
Religion Distribution of Participants …………48
Table 5: Frequency table of
Educational Level Distribution of Participants…50
Table 6: Frequency Table of
Geographical Location Distribution of Participants……………………………………………………………………..51
Table 7: Frequency Table of
Language Spoken Distribution of Participants…52
List of Figures:
Fig.4.2.1: Conceptual
Model of Spiritual Support in Bereavement ……..…….14
Fig. 4.2.2 Gender of the Respondent
on Bar Chart………………..……..l.……46
Fig. 4 2.3 Age Range of
the Respondent on Bar Chart……………….………47
Fig. 4.2.4 Marital Status of the Respondents on Histogram
Chart……………48
Fig. 4.2.5 Religious Affiliation of
the Respondents on Bar chart……………..49
Fig. 4.2.6 Educational Level of the Respondents on Pie chart…………………50
Fig. 4.2.7 Geographical Location of the Respondents on a Bar Chart…………51
Fig. 4.2.8 Frequency Table of
Language Spoken Distribution of Participants .52
Appendixes “1”: Conceptual Model ……………………………………..……79
Appendixes “2”: Survey
Questionnaire ………………………………………..80
Appendixes “3”: Test
of Reliability Test Result…………………………...…..85
CHAPTER ONE
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The
death of a family member is a metaphysical and often devastating experience
that can significantly impact the expressive and psychological well-being of
individuals within a community. Coping with such a loss requires substantial
support systems to navigate the complex emotions involved. Spiritual support
has been identified as a crucial component in the grieving process, offering
comfort, meaning, and a sense of hope to the bereaved (Park, 2013).
In
many African societies, spirituality and communal support are deeply
intertwined with traditional practices neighboring death and mourning. Akwanga
Local Government in Nasarawa State is no exception, where traditional beliefs
and spiritual practices play a vital role in how individuals cope with loss.
The integration of spiritual support mechanisms, such as counseling from
religious leaders, communal prayers, and participation in spiritual rituals,
can facilitate healing and resilience among those grieving (Osafo et al.,
2017).
Understanding
the role of spiritual support in these communities is essential for developing
effective interventions that respect cultural values while addressing the
emotional needs of the bereaved. This study seeks to explore how spiritual
support influences coping mechanisms among individuals dealing with the death
of a family member in selected communities within Akwanga Local Government.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite
the acknowledged significance of spiritual support in the grieving process,
there is a lack of empirical data examining its specific impact on coping
strategies in Akwanga Local Government. Many individuals may struggle with
grief due to insufficient or ineffective spiritual support, leading to
prolonged mourning and potential mental health issues such as depression or
anxiety ( Wortmann & Park, 2008).
Furthermore,
with the advent of modernization and changing cultural dynamics, traditional
spiritual support systems may be weakening, leaving a gap in the support
network for the bereaved. Identifying and understanding these challenges is
crucial for community leaders, healthcare providers, and spiritual
practitioners to enhance support structures for individuals coping with loss.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
1.3.1
Aim of the Study
The
aim of this study is to Explore the role of spiritual support in aiding
individuals to cope with the death of a family member in selected communities
within Akwanga Local Government, Nasarawa State.
1.3.2 Objectives
of the Study
The
following objectives are formulated to guide the study:
i.
To assess the availability and types of
spiritual support offered in selected communities in Akwanga Local Government.
ii.
To evaluate the effectiveness of various
forms of spiritual support in aiding individuals in coping with the death of a
family member.
iii.
To identify the specific spiritual
practices that individuals find most beneficial during their grieving process.
iv.
To examine the relationship between the
level of spiritual support received and the overall well-being of individuals
coping with loss.
v.
To provide recommendations for community
leaders and spiritual practitioners on enhancing spiritual support systems for
the bereaved.
1.4 Research
Questions and Hypotheses
1.4.1
Research Questions
The
following research questions are to be used for the investigations into the
study:
i.
What are the different types of spiritual
support available in selected communities in Akwanga Local Government?
ii.
How effective are various forms of
spiritual support in aiding individuals to cope with the death of a family
member?
iii.
Which specific spiritual practices do
individuals find most beneficial during their grieving process?
iv.
What is the relationship between the level
of spiritual support received and the overall well-being of individuals coping
with loss?
v.
What recommendations can enhance spiritual
support systems for the bereaved in these communities?
1.4.2
Research Hypotheses
Hypothesis 1
H₀: The availability and
types of spiritual support have no important influence on individuals' coping
mechanisms in selected communities.
H₁: The availability and
types of spiritual support have a significant influence on individuals' coping
mechanisms in selected communities.
Hypothesis 2
H₀: - There is no significant difference
in the coping ability of individuals regardless of the forms of spiritual
support received.
H₁: - There is a significant difference in the
coping ability of individuals based on the forms of spiritual support received.
Hypothesis 3
H₀: No specific spiritual practices are
perceived as more beneficial than others during the grieving process.
H₁: Certain specific spiritual practices
are perceived as more beneficial than others during the grieving process.
Hypothesis 4
H₀:
There is no significant relationship between the level of spiritual support
received and the overall well-being of individuals coping with loss.
H₁ :
There is a significant relationship between the level of spiritual support
received and the overall well-being of individuals coping with loss.
Hypothesis 5
H₀:
Implementing specific recommendations does not significantly enhance the
effectiveness of spiritual support systems for the bereaved.
H₁:
Implementing specific recommendations significantly enhances the effectiveness
of spiritual support systems for the bereaved.
1.5 Significance / Justification of
the Study
This
study is significant as it contributes to the sympathetic of how spiritual
support affects grieving individuals in a culturally specific context. Insights
from the research can aid mental health professionals, spiritual leaders, and
policymakers in:
Developing
culturally suitable interventions that strengthen existing spiritual support
systems. Informing policies and programs that integrate spiritual care into mourning
support services.
Enhancing
the capacity of spiritual practitioners to provide effective support, thereby
improving the well-being of individuals coping with loss.
Through
focusing on Akwanga Local Government, the study addresses a gap in regional
research and provides data that could be extrapolated to similar settings.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The
study is confined to selected communities within Akwanga Local Government in
Nasarawa State. It focuses on adults who have experienced the death of a family
member within the past five years. The research examines the types and
effectiveness of spiritual support provided, the most beneficial spiritual practices,
and the relationship between spiritual support and well-being.
1.7
Limitation of the Study
Due
to human imperfections the following could be Potential limitations of this study:
i.
Ethnic sensitivity: Discussing death and
personal grief may be culturally sensitive, possibly affecting participants'
willingness to share openly.
ii.
Accessibility of Data: Difficulty in
accessing reliable records or participants due to geographic constraints or
mistrust of outsiders.
1.8 Definition
of Operational Terms
a. Spiritual Support: Help
provided through spiritual or religious means, including counseling, rituals,
prayers, and other practices aimed at providing comfort and coping mechanisms
for individuals experiencing grief (Koenig, 2012).
b. Coping:
The process of managing taxing circumstances, expending effort to solve
personal and interpersonal problems, and seeking to master or reduce stress
(Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).
c. Bereavement:
The period of mourning and adjustment after the loss of a loved one (Stroebe,
Schut, & Boerner, 2017).
d. Well-being:
A state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity; in this context, it
refers to the psychological and emotional state of individuals coping with
grief.
e. Grieving Process:
The emotional journey that individuals undergo following a loss, encompassing
various stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance
(Kübler-Ross & Kessler, 2005).
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