“Negative religious coping” refers to the use of religious beliefs and practices in a way that may be detrimental to an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. While religion can provide comfort, support, and coping mechanisms for many people, there are instances where individuals may adopt negative or maladaptive religious coping strategies.
Examples of negative religious coping may include:
Punitive God Beliefs: Believing that one is being punished by a higher power for their sins or mistakes, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-worth.
Spiritual Discontent: Feeling disconnected or dissatisfied with one’s religious or spiritual beliefs, which can contribute to a sense of hopelessness or despair.
Religious Strain: Experiencing conflict or tension within a religious community, leading to stress, anxiety, or feelings of isolation.
Passive Religious Defeatism: Adopting a fatalistic attitude, believing that one’s fate is solely determined by a higher power, and therefore, feeling helpless in the face of life’s challenges.
Supernatural Punitiveness: Attributing negative events or difficulties solely to divine punishment, without considering other factors, which can lead to a sense of powerlessness and anxiety.
It’s important to note that negative religious coping is not universal, and many individuals find strength, comfort, and resilience through positive religious coping strategies. Positive religious coping involves using one’s faith and spirituality to find meaning, purpose, and support during difficult times.
Understanding an individual’s religious coping mechanisms can be crucial in the context of mental health and counseling, as it may influence their overall well-being and ability to cope with life stressors. If someone is struggling with negative religious coping, seeking support from mental health professionals or religious leaders who are trained in counseling can be beneficial.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 