Skip to main content
Erschienen in: Journal of Religion and Health 3/2013

01.09.2013 | Original Paper

Spiritual Experiences of War Veterans Who Suffer from Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Qualitative Study

verfasst von: Masoud Sirati Nir, Abbas Ebadi, Masoud Fallahi Khoshknab, Abbas Tavallae

Erschienen in: Journal of Religion and Health | Ausgabe 3/2013

Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten

Abstract

Recognition of the spiritual experiences of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder may be helpful in their rehabilitation. Accordingly, the present study has been carried out to determine the spiritual experiences of Iranian Muslim warriors who suffer from the previously mentioned disorder. In this qualitative study, 22 patients were selected using an objective-based sampling method and underwent an individual, semi-structured thorough interview. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The spiritual experiences of the participants were divided into two main categories as follows: (1) religious attitude consisting of three sub-categories known as “religious beliefs,” “religious sentiments,” and “religious behaviors” and (2) a national sensibility that includes the two sub-categories of “patriotism” and “proud” of being injured for my homeland. The analysis of the participants’ spiritual experiences showed that their specific religious orientation and feelings of nationalism assisted with their improved ability to cope with the consequences of their disorder. Therefore, it is recommended that caregivers use patients’ spiritual values to help them cope more efficiently.
Literatur
Zurück zum Zitat Amrai, K., Zalani, H. A., et al. (2011). The relationship between the religious orientation and anxiety and depression of students. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 613–616.CrossRef Amrai, K., Zalani, H. A., et al. (2011). The relationship between the religious orientation and anxiety and depression of students. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 613–616.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Barlow, K., Grenyer, B., et al. (2000). Prevalence and precipitants of aggression in psychiatric inpatient units. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 34(6), 967–974.PubMedCrossRef Barlow, K., Grenyer, B., et al. (2000). Prevalence and precipitants of aggression in psychiatric inpatient units. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 34(6), 967–974.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Batten, M., & Oltjenbrunse, K. (1999). Adolescent sibling bereavement as a catalyst for spiritual development: A model for understanding. Death Studies, 23(6), 526–546. Batten, M., & Oltjenbrunse, K. (1999). Adolescent sibling bereavement as a catalyst for spiritual development: A model for understanding. Death Studies, 23(6), 526–546.
Zurück zum Zitat Benjamin, J. S., & Virginia, A. S. (2007). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry. USA: Lippincott William & Wilkins. Benjamin, J. S., & Virginia, A. S. (2007). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry. USA: Lippincott William & Wilkins.
Zurück zum Zitat Borhani, H. (2003). Evaluation of psichal health in neuropsychal veterans’ families in Qom province. Research Journal in Medicine, Medical College of Shahid Beheshti University, 4, 305–312. Borhani, H. (2003). Evaluation of psichal health in neuropsychal veterans’ families in Qom province. Research Journal in Medicine, Medical College of Shahid Beheshti University, 4, 305–312.
Zurück zum Zitat Boscarino, J. A. (1996). Posttraumatic stress disorder, exposure to combat, and lower plasma cortisol among Vietnam veterans: Findings and clinical implications. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(1), 191.PubMedCrossRef Boscarino, J. A. (1996). Posttraumatic stress disorder, exposure to combat, and lower plasma cortisol among Vietnam veterans: Findings and clinical implications. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(1), 191.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.CrossRef Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Britvic, D., Anticevic, V., et al. (2010). Psychotherapeutic treatment for combat related chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. In K. W. Brenda (Ed.), Coping with posttraumatic stress disorder in returning troops, wounds of War II (p. 127). Amsterdam: IOS Press. Britvic, D., Anticevic, V., et al. (2010). Psychotherapeutic treatment for combat related chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. In K. W. Brenda (Ed.), Coping with posttraumatic stress disorder in returning troops, wounds of War II (p. 127). Amsterdam: IOS Press.
Zurück zum Zitat Calhoun, P. S., Beckham, J. C., et al. (2002). Partners ‘ratings of combat veterans’ anger. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 15(2), 133–136.PubMedCrossRef Calhoun, P. S., Beckham, J. C., et al. (2002). Partners ‘ratings of combat veterans’ anger. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 15(2), 133–136.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Carone, D. A. (2001). A social cognitive perspective on religious beliefs: Their functions and impact on coping and psychotherapy. Clinical Psychology Review, 21(7), 989–1003.PubMedCrossRef Carone, D. A. (2001). A social cognitive perspective on religious beliefs: Their functions and impact on coping and psychotherapy. Clinical Psychology Review, 21(7), 989–1003.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Cohen, A. B., & Hall, D. E. (2009). Existential beliefs, social satisfaction, and well-being among Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant older adults. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 19(1), 39–54.CrossRef Cohen, A. B., & Hall, D. E. (2009). Existential beliefs, social satisfaction, and well-being among Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant older adults. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 19(1), 39–54.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Cohen, D., Yoon, D. P., et al. (2009). Differentiating the impact of spiritual experiences, religious practices, and congregational support on the mental health of individuals with heterogeneous medical disorders. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 19(2), 121–138.CrossRef Cohen, D., Yoon, D. P., et al. (2009). Differentiating the impact of spiritual experiences, religious practices, and congregational support on the mental health of individuals with heterogeneous medical disorders. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 19(2), 121–138.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Daaleman, T., Kuckelman, C. A., et al. (2001). Sprituality and well-being: An exploratory study of the patient perspective. Social Science Medicine, 53, 1503–1511.PubMedCrossRef Daaleman, T., Kuckelman, C. A., et al. (2001). Sprituality and well-being: An exploratory study of the patient perspective. Social Science Medicine, 53, 1503–1511.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Dohrenwend, B. P., Turner, J. B., Turse, N. A., Adams, B. G., Koenen, K. C., & Marshall, R. (2006). The psychological risks of Vietnam for US veterans: A revisit with new data and methods. Science, 313, 979–982. doi:10.1126/science.1128944. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Cross Ref].PubMedCrossRef Dohrenwend, B. P., Turner, J. B., Turse, N. A., Adams, B. G., Koenen, K. C., & Marshall, R. (2006). The psychological risks of Vietnam for US veterans: A revisit with new data and methods. Science, 313, 979–982. doi:10.​1126/​science.​1128944. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Cross Ref].PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Donyavi, V., Shafighi, F., Rohani, S. M., Hoseini, S. R., Kazemi, J., Arghanoun, S., Gharahkhani, S. (2007). The prevalence of PTSD in conscript and official staff of earth force in Tehran during 2005–2006. Journal of Army University of Medical Sciences, 5(1), 1121–1125. Donyavi, V., Shafighi, F., Rohani, S. M., Hoseini, S. R., Kazemi, J., Arghanoun, S., Gharahkhani, S. (2007). The prevalence of PTSD in conscript and official staff of earth force in Tehran during 2005–2006. Journal of Army University of Medical Sciences, 5(1), 1121–1125.
Zurück zum Zitat Ebadi, A., Ahmadi, A., Ghanei, M., & Kazemnejad, A. (2009). Spirituality: A key factor in coping among Iranians chronically affected by mustard gas in the disaster of war. Nursing and Health Sciences, 11, 344–350.PubMedCrossRef Ebadi, A., Ahmadi, A., Ghanei, M., & Kazemnejad, A. (2009). Spirituality: A key factor in coping among Iranians chronically affected by mustard gas in the disaster of war. Nursing and Health Sciences, 11, 344–350.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Ellison, C., Boardman, J., et al. (2001). Religious involvement, stress, and mental health. Social Forces, 80, 215–249.CrossRef Ellison, C., Boardman, J., et al. (2001). Religious involvement, stress, and mental health. Social Forces, 80, 215–249.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Fountoulakis, K. N., Siamouli, M., et al. (2008). Late-life depression, religiosity, cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment and attitudes towards death in the elderly: Interpreting the data. Medical Hypotheses, 70(3), 493–496.PubMedCrossRef Fountoulakis, K. N., Siamouli, M., et al. (2008). Late-life depression, religiosity, cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment and attitudes towards death in the elderly: Interpreting the data. Medical Hypotheses, 70(3), 493–496.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Hassankhani, H., Taleghani, F., et al. (2010). Being hopeful and continuing to move ahead: Religious coping in Iranian chemical warfare poisoned veterans, a qualitative study. Journal of Religion and Health, 49(3), 311–321.PubMedCrossRef Hassankhani, H., Taleghani, F., et al. (2010). Being hopeful and continuing to move ahead: Religious coping in Iranian chemical warfare poisoned veterans, a qualitative study. Journal of Religion and Health, 49(3), 311–321.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Herdman, T. H. (2008). Nursing diagnoses 2009–2011: Definitions and classification. London: Wiley. Herdman, T. H. (2008). Nursing diagnoses 2009–2011: Definitions and classification. London: Wiley.
Zurück zum Zitat Hokana, S. (2007). The body of Christ in the presence of their pain. Caring Connections, 4, 13–16. Hokana, S. (2007). The body of Christ in the presence of their pain. Caring Connections, 4, 13–16.
Zurück zum Zitat Jacobs-Pilipski, M., et al. (2005). Spirituality among young women at risk for eating disorders. Eating Behaviors, 6(4), 293–300.PubMedCrossRef Jacobs-Pilipski, M., et al. (2005). Spirituality among young women at risk for eating disorders. Eating Behaviors, 6(4), 293–300.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Koenen, K. C., Stellman, S. D., et al. (2008). Persisting posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and their relationship to functioning in Vietnam veterans: A 14-year follow-up. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 21(1), 49–57.PubMedCrossRef Koenen, K. C., Stellman, S. D., et al. (2008). Persisting posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and their relationship to functioning in Vietnam veterans: A 14-year follow-up. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 21(1), 49–57.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Koenig, H. G. (2007). Spirituality and depression: A look at the evidence. Southern Medical Journal, 100(7), 737.PubMedCrossRef Koenig, H. G. (2007). Spirituality and depression: A look at the evidence. Southern Medical Journal, 100(7), 737.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Kozarić-Kovačić, D., Pavelić, K., et al. (2010). Proteomics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In K. W. Brenda (Ed.), Coping with posttraumatic stress disorder in returning troops, wounds of War II. Amsterdam: IOS Press. Kozarić-Kovačić, D., Pavelić, K., et al. (2010). Proteomics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In K. W. Brenda (Ed.), Coping with posttraumatic stress disorder in returning troops, wounds of War II. Amsterdam: IOS Press.
Zurück zum Zitat Mackenize, E., Rajagopal, D., et al. (2000). Spiritual support and psychological well being: Older adults’ perception of the religion and health connection. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 6, 37–45. Mackenize, E., Rajagopal, D., et al. (2000). Spiritual support and psychological well being: Older adults’ perception of the religion and health connection. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 6, 37–45.
Zurück zum Zitat Maltby, J., & Day, L. (2000). Depressive symptoms and religious orientation: Examining the relationship between religiosity and depression within the context of other correlates of depression. Personality and Individual Differences, 28(2), 383–393.CrossRef Maltby, J., & Day, L. (2000). Depressive symptoms and religious orientation: Examining the relationship between religiosity and depression within the context of other correlates of depression. Personality and Individual Differences, 28(2), 383–393.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Martens, L., & Addington, J. (2001). The psychological well-being of family members of individuals with schizophrenia. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 36(3), 128–133.PubMedCrossRef Martens, L., & Addington, J. (2001). The psychological well-being of family members of individuals with schizophrenia. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 36(3), 128–133.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Mauk, K. L., & Schmidt, N. A. (2004). Spiritual care in nursing practice. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Mauk, K. L., & Schmidt, N. A. (2004). Spiritual care in nursing practice. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Zurück zum Zitat McSherry, W. (2006). Making sense of spirituality in nursing and health care practice: An interactive approach. London: Jessica Kingsley Pub. McSherry, W. (2006). Making sense of spirituality in nursing and health care practice: An interactive approach. London: Jessica Kingsley Pub.
Zurück zum Zitat Meisenhelder, J. B., & Chandler, E. N. (2000). Prayer and health outcomes in church lay leaders. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 22(6), 706.PubMedCrossRef Meisenhelder, J. B., & Chandler, E. N. (2000). Prayer and health outcomes in church lay leaders. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 22(6), 706.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Montazeri, A., Sajadian, A., et al. (2007). Factors predicting the use of complementary and alternative therapies among cancer patients in Iran. European Journal of Cancer Care, 16, 144–149.PubMedCrossRef Montazeri, A., Sajadian, A., et al. (2007). Factors predicting the use of complementary and alternative therapies among cancer patients in Iran. European Journal of Cancer Care, 16, 144–149.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Mueller, P. S., Plevak, D. J., et al. (2001). Religious involvement, spirituality, and medicine: Implications for clinical practice. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 76, 1225–1235. Mueller, P. S., Plevak, D. J., et al. (2001). Religious involvement, spirituality, and medicine: Implications for clinical practice. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 76, 1225–1235.
Zurück zum Zitat Narayanasamy, A. (2003). Spirituality coping mechanisms in chronically ill patients. British Coping of Nursing, 11, 1461–1469. Narayanasamy, A. (2003). Spirituality coping mechanisms in chronically ill patients. British Coping of Nursing, 11, 1461–1469.
Zurück zum Zitat Narayanasamy, A. (2006). The impact of empirical studies of spirituality and culture on nurse education. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 15(7), 840–851.PubMedCrossRef Narayanasamy, A. (2006). The impact of empirical studies of spirituality and culture on nurse education. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 15(7), 840–851.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Neil, J. K., Jonathan, et al. (2010). A Community Mental Health Service for Veterans of the United Kingdom Armed Forces within the National Health Service (NHS). In B. K. Wiederhold (Ed.), Coping with posttraumatic stress disorder in returning troops: Wounds of War II (pp. 91–106). Amsterdam: IOS Press BV Neil, J. K., Jonathan, et al. (2010). A Community Mental Health Service for Veterans of the United Kingdom Armed Forces within the National Health Service (NHS). In B. K. Wiederhold (Ed.), Coping with posttraumatic stress disorder in returning troops: Wounds of War II (pp. 91–106). Amsterdam: IOS Press BV
Zurück zum Zitat Neuman, B. (1995). The Neuman Systems Model 3rd edn. Appleton & Lange, Norwalk, Connecticut. Neuman, B. (1995). The Neuman Systems Model 3rd edn. Appleton & Lange, Norwalk, Connecticut.
Zurück zum Zitat Newman, M., Sime, A. M., et al. (1999). The focus of the discipline of nursing. Perspectives on Philosophy of Science in Nursing, 20–24. Newman, M., Sime, A. M., et al. (1999). The focus of the discipline of nursing. Perspectives on Philosophy of Science in Nursing, 20–24.
Zurück zum Zitat Ohm, R. (2003). The African American experience in the Islamic faith. Public Health Nursing, 20(6), 478–486.PubMedCrossRef Ohm, R. (2003). The African American experience in the Islamic faith. Public Health Nursing, 20(6), 478–486.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Pargament, K. I. (1997). The psychology of religion and coping: Theory, research, practice. New York: Guilford Press. Pargament, K. I. (1997). The psychology of religion and coping: Theory, research, practice. New York: Guilford Press.
Zurück zum Zitat Rassool, G. H. (2000). The crescent and Islam: Healing, nursing and the spiritual dimension. Some considerations towards an understanding of the Islamic perspectives on caring. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(6), 1476–1484.PubMedCrossRef Rassool, G. H. (2000). The crescent and Islam: Healing, nursing and the spiritual dimension. Some considerations towards an understanding of the Islamic perspectives on caring. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(6), 1476–1484.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Speck, P., Higginson, I., et al. (2004). Editorial: Spiritual needs in health care: May be distinct from religious ones and integral to palliative care. British Medical Journal, 329, 123–124.PubMedCrossRef Speck, P., Higginson, I., et al. (2004). Editorial: Spiritual needs in health care: May be distinct from religious ones and integral to palliative care. British Medical Journal, 329, 123–124.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Speziale, H. J. S., Streubert, H. J., et al. (2010). Qualitative research in nursing: Advancing the humanistic imperative. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Speziale, H. J. S., Streubert, H. J., et al. (2010). Qualitative research in nursing: Advancing the humanistic imperative. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Zurück zum Zitat Syed, I. B. (2007). Spiritual medicine in the history of Islamic medicine. Journal of the International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine (ISHIM), 27. http://www.irfi.org. Syed, I. B. (2007). Spiritual medicine in the history of Islamic medicine. Journal of the International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine (ISHIM), 27. http://​www.​irfi.​org.
Zurück zum Zitat Taleghani, F., Yekta, Z. P., & Nasrabadi, A. N. (2006). Coping with breast cancer in newly diagnosed Iranian women. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 54(3), 265–273.PubMedCrossRef Taleghani, F., Yekta, Z. P., & Nasrabadi, A. N. (2006). Coping with breast cancer in newly diagnosed Iranian women. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 54(3), 265–273.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Tartaro, J., Luecken, L. J., et al. (2005). Exploring heart and soul: Effects of religiosity/spirituality and gender on blood pressure and cortisol stress responses. Journal of Health Psychology, 10(6), 753.PubMedCrossRef Tartaro, J., Luecken, L. J., et al. (2005). Exploring heart and soul: Effects of religiosity/spirituality and gender on blood pressure and cortisol stress responses. Journal of Health Psychology, 10(6), 753.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Thalbourne, M. A. (2007). Potential psychological predictors of religiosity. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 17(4), 333–336.CrossRef Thalbourne, M. A. (2007). Potential psychological predictors of religiosity. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 17(4), 333–336.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Trevino, K. M., Pargament, K. I., et al. (2010). Religious coping and physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual outcomes in patients with HIV/AIDS: Cross-sectional and longitudinal findings. AIDS and Behavior, 14(2), 379–389.PubMedCrossRef Trevino, K. M., Pargament, K. I., et al. (2010). Religious coping and physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual outcomes in patients with HIV/AIDS: Cross-sectional and longitudinal findings. AIDS and Behavior, 14(2), 379–389.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Ventis, W. L. (1995). The relationships between religion and mental health. Journal of Social Issues, 51(2), 33–48.CrossRef Ventis, W. L. (1995). The relationships between religion and mental health. Journal of Social Issues, 51(2), 33–48.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Wulff, D. M. (1997). Psychology of religion. Classic and contemporary (2nd ed.). New york: Wiley. Wulff, D. M. (1997). Psychology of religion. Classic and contemporary (2nd ed.). New york: Wiley.
Metadaten
Titel
Spiritual Experiences of War Veterans Who Suffer from Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Qualitative Study
verfasst von
Masoud Sirati Nir
Abbas Ebadi
Masoud Fallahi Khoshknab
Abbas Tavallae
Publikationsdatum
01.09.2013
Verlag
Springer US
Erschienen in
Journal of Religion and Health / Ausgabe 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-012-9629-2

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 3/2013

Journal of Religion and Health 3/2013 Zur Ausgabe

Psychological Exploration

The Evil Eye: A Cautious Look