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.com
Volume 8
Journal of Palliative Care & Medicine
ISSN: 2165-7386
Geriatrics 2018
July 30-31, 2018
July 30-31, 2018 | Barcelona, Spain
8
th
International Conference on
Geriatrics Gerontology & Palliative Nursing
Religion as a coping mechanism for health problems and depression among aging Puerto Ricans on
the mainland
Marta Rodríguez-Galán
St. John Fisher College, USA
T
his paper examines the role of religion as a coping mechanism for health among aging Puerto Ricans in the Boston area
through the analysis of in-depth qualitative interviews. The findings indicate that religion is a very significant health
coping resource for Puerto Ricans dealing with specific health issues, including depression, nerves, high blood pressure,
alcohol, tobacco and other addictions, and recovery from illness; as well as an orientation that promotes healthy behaviors.
The main forms of coping revolved around the power of faith and prayer, the communal experience, meaning and morality,
which were perceived as promoting well-being and improving one’s health. Overall, religion had a positive influence on the
respondent’s sense of wellbeing; however, a few subjects also reported conflicts between a religious orientation and the secular
culture within their community. Some also reported possible manipulation by some clergy. An understanding of religious
coping experiences among aging Puerto Ricans, and other ethnic minority groups, is essential for clergy, health, and human
service professionals working to develop strategies to address their spiritual and health care needs.
mrodriguez-galan@sjfc.eduJ Palliat Care Med 2018, Volume 8
DOI: 10.4172/2165-7386-C2-018