Issue Details

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs as Coping Resources for Adolescents during Disasters: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

ABSTRACT

The role of religious and spiritual beliefs in providing coping mechanisms for adolescents during disasters has garnered increasing attention in recent years. This cross-cultural analysis aims to explore how these beliefs serve as vital resources for young individuals facing crises across diverse cultural contexts. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study examines quantitative data from surveys measuring psychological resilience, stress levels, and post-traumatic growth, alongside qualitative data from interviews and focus groups conducted with adolescents from various cultural backgrounds. The findings reveal that religious and spiritual beliefs significantly contribute to the coping strategies of adolescents during disasters, though the nature and extent of their impact vary across different cultural settings. In some cultures, structured religious practices and community support are pivotal, offering a sense of stability and collective identity. In others, personal spirituality and individualized belief systems provide solace and a framework for making sense of the chaos. The study highlights the importance of understanding these cultural nuances to effectively support adolescents in disaster-affected areas. Moreover, the analysis indicates that religious and spiritual coping mechanisms are linked with higher levels of psychological resilience and lower instances of anxiety and depression post-disaster. Adolescents who actively engage in religious or spiritual practices report a stronger sense of hope and meaning, which aids in their recovery and adaptation processes.

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