Spirituality as a coping mechanism among widows in Nagaland

 Corresponding author: Abigail Gurung Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0. Spirituality as a coping mechanism among widows in Nagaland Abigail Gurung * Department of Psychology Kristu Jayanti College (autonomous), Bangalore -560077, India. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 3104-3116 Publication history: Received on 18 February 2025; revised on 05 April 2025; accepted on 07 April 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.26.2.0952 Abstract Widowhood is a journey filled with difficult challenges. It is plagued with financial difficulties, social exclusion, new added responsibilities on top of grieving the loss of their spouses. It is often common to see them turn to spirituality for healing and strength. The current study seeks to understand how spirituality is used as a coping mechanism to mitigate widowhood. The study adopts a qualitative, phenomenological research design to understand the lived experiences of widows. The data was collected through semistructured interviews to get in depth-knowledge. The data was coded and thematic analysis was used to identify reoccurring themes. Five themes were generated: Emotional impact of loss, Spirituality and coping, Challenges of Widowhood, Spiritual transformation and personal growth and role of support networks Keywords: Widowhood; loss; spirituality; coping; support network 1 Introduction This research looks into the journey of how widows in Nagaland use spirituality as a means to cope with the loss of their spouses. Widowhood is defined as the state or period of being a widow or widower. A widow is a female whose spouse has died. (Horne et.al 2020). There are many challenges that come with widowhood, including social, financial, emotional, physical. By drawing on three key theoretical frameworks—Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Theory, Park and Folkman’s MeaningMaking Model, and Social Support Theory—the study looks at widowhood as a deeply layered experience. The aim of this research is to understand how widows use spirituality—whether through personal beliefs, religious practices, or involvement in spiritual communities—to help them navigate their grief. Spirituality is the personal quest for understanding answers to ultimate questions about life, about meaning, and about relationship to the sacred or transcendent, which may (or may not) lead to or arise from the development of religious rituals and the formation of community (Koenig, McCullough, and Larson (2001). Specifically, this study will explore: ●How spirituality helps with emotional coping, as described by Lazarus and Folkman, by offering psychological comfort and relief during tough times. ●The search for meaning and purpose after loss, based on Park and Folkman’s work, and how spiritual beliefs and practices help widows find new purpose or understanding through their grief. ●The role of social and communal support, as explained by Social Support Theory, and how spiritual communities can serve as a substitute family, providing emotional and practical support to reduce feelings of isolation. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 3104-3116 3105 By combining these perspectives, the research seeks to offer a fuller understanding of how spirituality not only helps widows cope emotionally but also strengthens their connections to others, supporting their healing process. The study will provide valuable insights into how spirituality functions as both an individual and communal tool for coping and may inform future support services designed specifically for widows in India. Worldwide, widowhood comes with a lot of psychological challenges ranging from grief, stress, sexual hunger, denial, withdrawal, anxiety loneliness low self-value and negative change in mood. (Trivedi, Sareen & Dhyani, 2009; Sasson & Umberson, 2014). Their transition is much harder in a country like India, where widows are still expected to shun life and reflect only over their husbands' lives as cultural and social norms dictate. In India, many widows have to bear the brunt of not only being socially ostracized but fare off badly economically and are left to fend for themselves after a certain age; thus, besides bearing the emotional pain one has also opportunities slipping with time. This often leads to transcendental search for solace and meaning outside the realms of material reality, which is one way spirituality may function as an adaptive coping response. Additionally, in terms of prevalence of widowhood, India ranks highest in the world. At the time of the 2011 Indian Census, there were 43 million widowed women in India, a population comparable to a mid-sized country. (Government of India 2011). Approximately 7% widows are living alone in India. Population of widows in India is 34 million, out of that 8% population is female, and 50% of the female population is over the age of 50 (http://www.nativeministeriesindia.org). Spirituality, a complex personal and multifaceted construct impacts significantly how people cope with grief and loss. This includes faith, tradition and spirituality with all their related beliefs, practices, and experiences that help people find meaning in life and inspires a mind of appreciation. A sense of meaning/greater spirituality: Many widows find peace and strength in their battles with widowhood through religion. Methods, including prayer, meditations and religious worship can be useful for coping with this problem among widows. Spirituality in India is deeply woven into our culture and hence, touches the lives of thousands who live here on a regular basic. But the particular ways in which spirituality may support widows coping with their distinctive situation have not been investigated much. Available literature in India on widowhood has been mainly concerned with the social and economic status of widows, diverting attention from their emotional or spiritual dimensions and how spirituality actually serves as a coping mechanism among these widows. In light of this, the primary aim of this dissertation is to shed some light on spirituality as a coping strategy among widows in India. The study will describe what spiritual beliefs, practices and coping strategies are used by widows to deal with the emotional or psychological aspects of their lives; whether or not community support promotes / obstructs any specific form for cultural approaches (spiritual care) this vivid group invokes. This study will add to the literature looking at lived experiences of being a widow in India, and it is hoped that this may provide important information through which spiritual needs could be specific treatment programs so that necessary interventions can now be developed accordingly. 1.1 Theoretical framework The theoretical framework for this study integrates Lazarus and Folkman’s Coping Theory (1984), Park and Folkman’s Meaning-Making Theory (1997), and Social Support Theory to explore the role of spirituality as a coping mechanism for widows in Nagaland. 1.2 Lazarus and Folkman’s Coping Theory Lazarus and Folkman's Coping Theory offers a foundation for understanding how individuals handle stress through problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. Within the context of widowhood, spirituality can be considered an emotion-focused coping mechanism. Widows often use spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation or rituals to mitigate the emotional toll of losing a spouse. This theory emphasizes the cognitive appraisal process, where widows evaluate their situation and use spiritual beliefs to redefine their loss, finding emotional resilience and peace through faith-based interpretations. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 3104-3116 3106 1.3 Meaning-making Theory by Park and Folkman The meaning-making theory compliments Lazarus and Folkman’s model by focusing on how individuals derive meaning from life-altering events. Widowhood often triggers a search for existential answers, and spiritual beliefs play a pivotal role in helping widows make sense of their loss. Meaning-making is crucial to emotional recovery, as it allows widows to reframe their grief into a broader spiritual narrative. This theory suggests that spiritual practices offer widows a way to restore coherence to their lives, transforming their grief into a sense of purpose or divine connection. 1.4 Social support theory Social Support Theory highlights how vital our connections with others can be, especially in times of need. For many widows, spiritual communities provide a crucial source of both emotional and practical support. These communities often feel like a surrogate family, where members share not just beliefs but also deep understanding and compassion. The emotional support from fellow believers can help ease feelings of isolation and loneliness, creating a sense of belonging during a difficult time. Together, they engage in shared spiritual practices that help widows navigate their grief, fostering connections that make the journey a little lighter. By combining these three theories, the research explores widowhood as a deeply layered experience. It looks at how individuals cope with their emotions (as explained by Lazarus and Folkman), how they seek meaning and purpose in their lives (according to Park and Folkman), and the vital support they receive from their social networks (highlighted in Social Support Theory). This framework sheds light on how spirituality functions not just as a personal coping tool but also as a bridge to social and communal support for emotional healing. It offers a comprehensive view of the intricate ways widows draw on spirituality to navigate the profound loss of their spouse, helping them find hope and connection amid their grief. 1.5 Statement of the problem In India, widowhood comes with many social and cultural issues along with economic hurdles. Widows are among the most discriminated sections of society where they face social boycott and stigma. Absence of support systems further compounds the problems with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness. In the face of these challenges, widows in India often turn to spirituality. The role of spirituality in mitigating widowhood stress is also not clearly understood, particularly how and why spirituality helps widows adapt to the challenges they face. Indeed, some studies have recognized the role of spirituality in adaptation and coping but there are hardly any studies dealing with its effect on Indian widows. The current data in this area fails to recognize exactly how spirituality is used as a coping mechanism for loss which is a common practice in India. The purpose of the study is to bridge this gap by understanding how Indian widows cope using spirituality. Such knowledge can help in understanding this aspect of spirituality to promote the better psychological and emotional wellbeing among widows, which may inform culturally relevant interventions or holistic policies for improving and promoting wellbeing experience within a marginalized population. 1.6 Significance of the Study This study explores the coping mechanisms employed by widows in India, specifically focusing on the role of spirituality. ● Mental health implications: The findings could reveal positive effects of spirituality on mental health and this can in turn be used by mental health professionals to develop culturally sensitive support strategies for widows. ● Policy Development: The study may inform policymakers and social organizations about the unique challenges faced by widows, guiding the creation of targeted interventions and resources that recognize and incorporate spiritual coping mechanisms. ● Contribution to Literature: This research will fill a gap in the existing literature on widowhood and spirituality, providing a foundation for future studies and discussions in the fields of psychology, sociology, and religious studies. ● Community Empowerment: By highlighting effective coping strategies, the study may empower widows and their communities to foster resilience, thereby contributing to social change and improved quality of life for this oftenmarginalized population. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 3104-3116 3107 1.7 Research gap ● Cultural Perspectives on Widowhood: While widowhood is universally challenging, the cultural practices and beliefs surrounding it can vary greatly. Research exploring the specific cultural narratives and practices related to widowhood in Nagaland, including how these affect the emotional and psychological well-being of widows, is limited. ● Support Systems and Networks: While some studies globally emphasize the importance of social support networks, there is a gap in understanding how local support systems operate in Nagaland. Research could investigate existing community-based programs and their effectiveness in supporting widows. ● Mental Health Awareness: There is a growing recognition of mental health issues in many parts of India, but research on the mental health awareness and resources available to widows in Nagaland is lacking. Studies could assess the availability of counseling services and mental health support in the region. 2 Review of literature Holm et al. (2019) explored the deep emotional and psychological toll that losing a spouse takes on older adults. Beyond the immense grief, many find themselves grappling with a loss of identity and independence, especially as they face the added challenge of declining health. The need for help often creates an inner struggle, as it clashes with the sense of independence they once cherished. Asking for assistance can make them feel even more helpless, and when their emotions aren't fully understood by those around them, it can lead to greater isolation. The study highlights a recurring theme: older adults often long for support and connection, but after losing a spouse, they frequently feel cut off from the social circles they were once part of. The fear of being a burden keeps them from reaching out, which only deepens their loneliness. Holm et al. emphasize how spousal loss affects not just emotional well-being, but also a person’s sense of self and connection to others, stressing the urgent need for support systems that can help older adults through these difficult times. Jain et al. (2022) explored how widowhood affects cognitive function in older women in India, finding a notable gap between widowed and married women. Widows consistently score lower on cognitive tests, and the longer they have been widowed—especially up to 20 years—the more this gap widens. After two decades, the difference in cognitive abilities remains, but it stops growing. The study points out that widowed women’s poorer cognitive performance is partly due to the challenges they face with both their physical and mental health. Widows often experience higher levels of stress, social isolation, and physical decline, which all take a toll on their cognitive abilities. This research sheds light on how widowhood not only affects emotional well-being but also leads to long-term health and cognitive issues. It emphasizes the importance of creating support systems that address both the emotional and health challenges widows face to help improve their overall quality of life. Srivastava et al. (2021) looked at how being married or widowed and where older adults live affects their mental health in India, and the findings are quite telling. The study found that widowed older adults are 34% more likely to experience depression than those who are still married. Losing a spouse clearly takes an emotional toll, increasing feelings of loneliness and grief, which can make widowed individuals more vulnerable to depression. The study also highlighted how living arrangements make a big difference. Older adults who live alone are 16% more likely to feel depressed than those who live with others. This shows just how important companionship and social support are in keeping up one’s emotional well-being. The situation worsens when older adults are both widowed and living alone—they're 56% more likely to suffer from depression compared to those who are married and living with family or others. The combination of losing a spouse and living in isolation presents a particularly high risk for depression, underscoring the urgent need for support systems that address both the emotional and social needs of older adults, especially those who live by themselves. Boekel et al. (2019) explored how losing a spouse affects the psychological wellbeing, quality of life, and health-care costs of older adults living in the community in the Netherlands. The study found that spousal loss had a clear negative impact on emotional well-being and how older adults perceived their overall quality of life. Grieving the loss of a spouse often left individuals feeling emotionally strained and diminished their sense of life satisfaction. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 3104-3116 3108 Interestingly, while the researchers expected that spousal loss would lead to increased health-care costs, the study found no significant effect in this area. Despite the emotional and psychological toll, spousal loss did not seem to translate into higher health-care expenses, which was an unexpected outcome. The findings underline the emotional challenges of widowhood but suggest that, at least in this study, these challenges didn’t result in increased medical spending. Menzfeld et al. (2024) delve into the lived experiences of social isolation and loneliness among military widows and widowers in the UK, highlighting the emotional and social challenges they face. The study found that nearly all participants expressed feelings of loneliness, social isolation, or both. These emotions were closely tied to the unique grief of losing a spouse in the military, as well as the lack of sufficient social participation and support in their everyday lives. Many widows and widowers reported that they struggled to reintegrate into social circles after their loss, feeling disconnected from both civilian life and the military communities they had once been part of. However, those who joined military support groups or associations found great value in the peer support they received. These groups offered a shared sense of connection, understanding, and solidarity, as fellow members had also experienced the unique challenges of military widowhood. This peer support helped alleviate some of the loneliness and isolation, offering a space where their grief was acknowledged and understood in a way that was often lacking in other social settings. The study highlights a pressing need for more targeted social programs that address the isolation and loneliness faced by military widows and widowers. Such initiatives could provide critical emotional support, fostering social participation and helping to rebuild a sense of community and belonging. Mudis et al (2023) examines the relationship between widowhood and the psychological health of widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya. The study findings show that widowhood is correlated to psychological health as it leads to poor psychological health of widows. Ukeachusim et al (2023) examines the impact of spiritual and religious activities on the emotional well-being of widowed older adults in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. Widowed older adults experience emotional challenges such as loneliness, life dissatisfaction, anxiety/uneasiness, sadness/grief, and insomnia due to the loss of their spouse. Widowed older adults participate in spiritual and religious activities such as attending church services, prayer meetings, Bible study, and meditation to cope with their emotional challenges. Participating in spiritual and religious activities helps widowed older adults to buffer their emotional challenges. Kellyjoy et al. (2022) explore the challenges that widows face in ACK Embu, Kenya, uncovering several significant obstacles in their lives. Many widows struggle with limited resources, making it hard to meet basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. This financial insecurity leaves them feeling vulnerable and helpless. Isolation is another major issue. Many widows find themselves socially excluded due to their marital status, which can be incredibly lonely. Compounding this is a cultural stigma that often paints widows in a negative light, leading to feelings of blame and further alienation. As a result, accessing the support they need to navigate their grief becomes even more challenging. The study also highlights the difficulties faced by grief caregivers—those who try to support widows emotionally. Many caregivers lack adequate knowledge about how to effectively help someone cope with loss, which limits their ability to provide meaningful support. This gap in understanding can leave widows feeling even more alone during a time when they need connection the most. Kellyjoy et al. (2022) emphasize the urgent need for better resources, community support, and training for grief caregivers. Addressing these issues is crucial to help widows in this region find the support and understanding they need to heal and rebuild their lives. Akinyu (2023) aimed to assess the relationship between widowhood and psychological health of widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kenya. The study findings show that widowhood is correlated to psychological health as it leads to poor psychological health of widows. The study recommends that widows should be sensitized on the need to strive for World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 3104-3116 3109 good psychological health either by seeking counseling or joining widows support programs in the community to help them cope with psychological health challenges that comes with the death of a spouse. 2.1 Synthesis of literature Several studies focus on the psychological effects of widowhood. Holm et al. (2019) discusses the emotional struggles of bereaved older adults, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining dignity and seeking help, often resulting in feelings of isolation and misunderstanding. This is also shown in Srivastava et al. (2021), which identifies a strong association between widowhood, living alone, and increased rates of depression among older adults in India. The cognitive decline associated with widowhood is another significant theme. Jain et al. (2022) finds that widowed women in India experience lower cognitive scores compared to married women, with the disparity linked to poor physical and mental health. This suggests that the psychological strain of widowhood may contribute to cognitive decline, particularly over extended periods. The role of social isolation and loneliness is further explored by Menzfeld et al. (2024), who study military widows/widowers in the UK, highlighting the prevalence of loneliness and the importance of peer support for social participation. Similarly, Mudis et al. (2023) examines the correlation between widowhood and poor psychological health in Kenya, reinforcing the global nature of these challenges. In terms of coping mechanisms, Ukeachusim et al. (2023) emphasizes the role of spiritual and religious activities in helping widows manage emotional challenges such as loneliness and grief in Nigeria. This aligns with findings from Kellyjoy et al. (2022) and Akinyu (2023), which discuss the broader challenges faced by widows, including resource constraints, cultural stigma, and the need for support programs to address psychological health. Overall, these studies collectively underscore the significant emotional, psychological, and social challenges faced by widows globally, while also highlighting the importance of social support and spiritual practices as vital coping mechanisms. 3 Methodology 3.1 Research design ● Qualitative Approach: This study will use a qualitative research design. This approach is suitable because it allows for an in-depth exploration of the subjective experiences and meanings that widows in India associate with spirituality as a coping mechanism. ● Phenomenological Approach: A phenomenological approach will be used to focus on understanding the lived experiences of widows. This methodology is appropriate for exploring how widows perceive and experience spirituality in the context of coping with their loss. 3.2 Research objectives ● To identify spiritual beliefs and practices adopted by the widows in India. ● To understand how these practices influence the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the widows. ● To explore the role of community support. 3.3 Research question ● What are the specific spiritual beliefs and practices that widows in India adopt after the loss of their spouse? ● In what ways do spiritual practices impact the emotional and psychological well-being of widows in India? ● What is the role of community support in reinforcing the spiritual practices of widows in India? 3.4 Concepts ● Widowhood: Widowhood refers to a state of a person who has lost their spouse and has not remarried. ● Spirituality: A sense of connection to a divine power that leads to feelings of peace, purpose and meaning. ● Coping mechanism: A coping mechanism is a strategy or method that people use to manage stress, adversity, or challenging emotions. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 3104-3116 3110 3.5 Population Of the Study ● Widows that are engaged in spiritual practices ● Women above the age of 18. ● Geographical Area: ● This study is situated in Nagaland, India. 3.6 Sample ● Sampling technique: Purposive sampling will be used to select participants who is likely to provide rich and insightful information. ● Snowball method: Initial participants will be asked to refer other widows that fit into the inclusion criteria. 3.6.1 Inclusion criteria o Widows that are engaged in spiritual practices. o Women above the age of 18. 3.6.2 Exclusion criteria o Widows that have cognitive impairments or mental health issues. o Recently bereaved widows (less than one year) to avoid acute grief periods. 3.7 Procedure ● The study was conducted on widows from the state of Nagaland. The widows were screened using the Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale. 8 participants were selected, with data collection continuing until data saturation is achieved. ● The participants were given a consent form that contains the aims and objectives, the different essential requirements, and confidentiality of the information of the study along with their consent. ● Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to gather data. ● Lastly, they were thanked for their participation. 3.8 Data Analysis Thematic Analysis: Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify themes patterns as well as to explore subjective experiences of the participants. 3.9 Tools For the Study ● Informed consent ● The Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale ● Interview questions 3.10 Description of Tools ● Informed consent: Google forms were used to gather informed consent from the participants along with sociodemographic data. ● The Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale: The Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale is a 26-item questionnaire in a modified Likert-format that measures an individual’s level of spiritual involvement and their spiritual beliefs. ● Semi-structured interview: Semi-structured interview will be conducted to gather data from the participants. 3.11 Research Ethics Followed The study had the following ethical considerations: ● Informed Consent: Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, explaining the study's purpose, procedures, and their rights. ● Confidentiality: Confidentiality of participants were ensured by using pseudonyms and securing data storage. ● Sensitivity: The topic was approached with sensitivity and respect for participants' spiritual beliefs and practices. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 3104-3116 3111 ● Peer review: The questions for interview were reviewed by three experts to ensure that questions are relevant, valid and likely to obtain useful and reliable data for the study. Another purpose for the review is to ensure that the questions are respectful and sensitive to the topic at hand. 4 Results 4.1 Socio-demographic details Eight participants agreed to participate in the study out of which all 8 participants passed through the screening and was taken through the interview process. Figure 1 Age of the participants Graph 1 shows the age of the participants. There are 8 participants, the youngest is of the age 45, 1 participant is 51 years of age, 1 participant is 52 years of age, 2 participants are 57 years of age, 1 participant is 58 years of age, 1 participant is 71 years of age and the oldest is 2 years of age. Figure 2 Economic status of the participants Graph 2 shows the economic status of the participants. 75% of the participants are part of the middle class while 25% of the participants are low class. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 3104-3116 3112 Figure 3 Employment status of the participants Graph 3 shows the employment status of the participants, 50% of the participants are currently working while the other 50% is not. 4.2 Thematic Analysis Table Table 1 Emotional impact of loss Theme Description Emotional impact of loss Exploring the effect of loss on the individual’s emotional state. Subcategories Descriptions Significant Statement Examples Sense of loss The emotional, psychological, social impact following the loss of the spouse. “Losing my husband was the most painful experience of my life. I was only four months pregnant with my daughter, and suddenly, I felt alone in raising her.” (P3) “I became sad and fearful and confused thinking of how to carry on my life.” (P2) Emotional resilience The ability to adapt or recover from significant life challenges. “Truly, I was able to bear the loss of my husband 5 Discussion 5.1 Theme 1: Emotional impact of loss This theme describes the emotional, psychological and physical impact of loss. All participants in the study have reported profound emotional impact post loss. Not only did they feel the absence and loss, they were required to take on new roles and responsibilities for the family which added to the already existing toll of loss. ● Sense of loss: All the participants have described a deep sense of loss, fear, isolation and helplessness following the death of their spouse. They have expressed how they have felt alone and were longing for support and companionship. The uncertainty of the future that were fueled with financial burdens and new found responsibilities evoked more fear among the widows.