The Relationship between Religious Orientation and Coping Styles among Older Adults and Young Adults

Religion and spirituality play an especially important role in the lives of older adults and may have a positive impact on their mental health. Despite historically tense relationships between religion and psychology, there has been an increase in research concerning the intersection of these topics. Specifically, the relationship between religion and coping has been a major theme. Previous research has indicated that differing religious orientations (i.e., intrinsic versus extrinsic) can influence coping style. Other research has shown differences in coping among older versus younger adults. Research investigating impact of religious orientation and coping among older versus younger adults, however, remains sparse. This is especially important given the developmental changes that occur in adulthood with regards to coping. In order to evaluate relationships between religious orientation and coping among older versus younger adults, we compared two age cohorts and found differential patterns of correlations. Seemingly contradictory results for how one’s religious orientation may influence coping styles emerged. The theory of acceptance and commitment therapy and anunderstandingof differences between specific stressors and life events, however,may explain these differences. These results have implications for working with older adults.