Prayer and religious coping for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders

This study examined the use of prayer and religious coping among caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders. A repeated measures correlational design was used, combined with data from a larger, experimental study (NIH, R01-NR-3434). This expansion study and secondary analysis added two instruments, the Springfield Religiosity Schedule (SRS)1 and the Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS)2 to the original study, as well as structured interviews to determine the role of prayer and religious coping in the caregiving stress and coping process. A modification of Lazarus and Folkman's3 Stress and Coping model was used that included religious variables. Results showed that caregivers (N = 64) used prayer and religious coping frequently, that they perceived prayer and trusting in God as effective coping mechanisms, and that internal religious activities helped them get through the caregiving situation. Clinical implications are discussed. © 1999, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Harold G. Koenig Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Adult Psychiatry & Psychol ...