The relationship of coping with chronic stress and faith development in women: Mothers of multihandicapped children

There is ample research literature regarding the process of coping in human life. There is less written on the process of coping specific to women, still less in the literature regarding the impact of a woman's faith in her coping process, and even less research with mothers of multiply handicapped children and the place that faith and meaning can hold in the coping process of these women.;This study investigated the hypothesis that when living with a situation of chronic stress a woman's coping process is integral to a search for meaning which is fundamentally grounded in her faith development, and the development of a woman's faith has a positive impact on her well-being and coping process. Twenty-one mothers of severely handicapped children were interviewed for this qualitative research by means of the Fowler Faith Development Interview.;Coping was defined as a successful adaptation to unavoidable stress. And faith, rather than perceived as religion, neurotic defense or illusion, was understood as an adaptive will toward meaning. Thus, the perspectives in this study were different from traditional investigations in a move away from pathology oriented models.;By analyzing the women's responses to the coping and faith questions, it was possible to determine conceptual themes unique and essential to their coping process. Four progressions, or 'phases' of coping with chronic stress, emerged from the interview data: (a) Initial Crisis Phase--where there was a lack of felt meaning; (b) Initial Coping Phase--where meaning and faith were sought; (c) Ongoing Coping Phase--where meaning and faith were recognized; (d) Altruistic Coping Phase--where meaning and faith were realized.;Five core dimensions, or 'cognitive aspects of coping, meaning and faith', were in integral part of the coping phases. These aspects were (1) the will to meaning, (2) relationships, (3) inner locus of control, (4) tolerance of ambiguity and dissonance, and (5) empathy. These coping aspects were proposed as links in the relationship of coping and faith development.;Parallel lines of thought from psychology and faith development/psychospirituality were brought together in this study. Several implications of the findings were discussed and directions for future research were suggested.