The role of spirituality during COVID-19 : a cross-cultural qualitative analysis : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
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2023
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Massey University
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The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019 brought widespread disruptions to normal daily functioning of individuals' lives. This unprecedented time was characterised by a period of uncertainty and psychological turmoil. Given the novelty of the COVID-19 disease and the growing evidence depicting the therapeutic benefits of spirituality during times of distress, the current study sought to investigate the role of spirituality in individuals' lives during the pandemic. A qualitative phenomenological approach entailing semi-structured interviews with 15 participants across India and New Zealand was conducted. Thematic analysis of the results provided a cross-cultural comparison of the conceptualisation and utilisation of spirituality across Western and Eastern boundaries. While spirituality was understood as a belief in a higher power/reality across both cultures, differences arose in the way in which participants engaged with spirituality and understood its relationship to religion. Nonetheless, spirituality was found to entail a range of health and wellbeing effects which were categorised into three major themes; a) therapeutic effects, comprised of the subthemes hopefulness, meaning amidst chaos and strengthened mental fortitude; b) intertwined with wellbeing and c) inner-transformation, comprised of the subthemes opportunity, a shift towards knowledge, gratitude and reflection. Overall, spirituality provided individuals a range of tools to navigate their life experiences, which built individual resilience and provided them the courage to face difficult life circumstances. These results provide support for the inclusion of spirituality within healthcare services and call for efforts to destigmatise a phenomenon that may entail many benefits for its practitioners.