The National Archive of Grief Support Studies
The National Archive of Grief Support Studies(NAGSS) database provides bibliographical information and summaries of recent articles selected for their relevance to grief and bereavement service providers. The articles that are summarized are selected from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals and are intended to highlight key concepts as well as provide a brief statement of implications for service providers. Bibliographical information may be used to obtain the original article.
Religion and Spirituality in Adjustment Following Bereavement: An Integrative Review
Authors:
Wortmann, J. H.
Park, C. L.
Source:
Death Studies: 2008. Volume 32, pp. 703-735.
Summary
This article summarizes the findings of 73 empirical articles that considered the role of religion/spirituality in the adjustment of the bereaved following the death of a loved one. The report sought to review the literature to address whether or not religion/spirituality is helpful in the adjustment of the bereaved. The authors named 10 dimensions of religion/spirituality and examined each as it relates to adjustment to bereavement. The dimensions identified were: 1) affiliation, 2) attendance, 3) general religiousness, 4) religious beliefs, 5) composite beliefs and activities, 6) intrinsic/extrinsic religiousness, 7) religious coping, 8) religious social support, 9) spirituality, and 10) belief in helpfulness of religion. The findings overall suggest a positive relationship between religion/spirituality and bereavement adjustment. However, a wide variety of variables were used in the different studies, and many of the studies showed little or no relationship between religion/spirituality and adjustment to bereavement. The authors suggest additional research is needed with regard to religion/spirituality and bereavement.
Key words: religion, spiritual
Service Provider Implications
The review of findings offered by this article suggests to service providers that in general, religion/spirituality is positively related to bereavement adjustment. However, the authors offer the caveat that additional research is needed.
