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How religion comforts the dying: a qualitative inquiry
Carolyn F Pevey1, Thomas J Jones, Annice Yarber
1Dept. of Sociology, Auburn University Montgomery, AL 36124, USA. epevey@aum.edu
Omega
|December 31, 2008
Summary
This study explored how religion comforts dying hospice patients. Findings reveal religion offers comfort through relationships, hope for afterlife, identification, and a sense of cosmic order.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Extensive research exists on religiosity and death anxiety.
- Theorists speculate religion comforts the dying, but empirical data from the dying is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how dying individuals perceive religion as a comfort.
- To identify the specific mechanisms through which religion provides comfort to hospice patients.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 38 hospice patients.
- Direct questioning regarding the role of religion in providing comfort.
Main Results:
- Religion provided comfort to dying patients through several key functions.
- These functions include offering a relationship, instilling hope for an afterlife, facilitating identification, and assuring cosmic order.
Conclusions:
- Religion can serve as a significant source of comfort for the terminally ill.
- The identified mechanisms offer a framework for understanding religion's role in end-of-life care.
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