THE ROLE OF SPIRITUAL SUPPORT IN COPING WITH THE DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN AKWANGA, NASARAWA STATE

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of spiritual support on individuals' coping mechanisms in selected communities, particularly during grief. A survey was conducted with a sample size of 200 respondents to evaluate the availability, types, and effectiveness of spiritual support. The survey instrument consisted of statements rated on a scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. The findings indicate that the availability and types of spiritual support significantly impact individuals' coping mechanisms. Specific spiritual practices such as religious rituals and communal worship were perceived as more beneficial, while prayer and meditation were seen as less effective. The study also found a significant relationship between the level of spiritual support received and overall well-being, with higher levels of support correlating with better emotional health. Implementing specific recommendations, such as increasing the accessibility of spiritual counseling and opportunities for group prayers, was found to enhance the effectiveness of spiritual support systems. These results underscore the critical role of tailored and comprehensive spiritual support in helping individuals cope with grief.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content                                                                                                Page

Fly Leaf…………………………………………………………..……………..i

Title page:……………………………………………………………..…..……ii

Declaration:……………………….………………………………..…......……iii

Certification:……………………………..……………………........…….…….iv

Dedication:……………………………………………………………….……...v

Acknowledgement:……………………………………….……………...……..vi

Table of Contents:………...………………………………………………...….vii

List of Tables:…………………………..………………………………..…....viii

List of Figures:…………………………………………………………..……...ix

List of Abbreviations and Symbols:…………………………………………….xi

Abstract:………………………………………………………….……………xii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

 1.1 Background of the Study………………………….……….………………..1

1.2 Statement of the Problem………………………………..……….…………..2

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study……………………………….……………2

 1.3.1 Aim of the Study…………………………………………………………..2

 1.3.2 Objectives of the Study………………………………..………………….3

 1.4 Research Questions and Hypotheses…………………...……………….…..3

 1.4.1 Research Questions……………………………………………….………3

 1.4.2 Research Hypotheses………………………………………………….…..4

1.5 Significance / Justification of the Study……………………………….……..5

1.6 Scope of the Study…………………………………………………….……..6

 1.7 Limitation of the Study………………………………………………….…..6

 1.8 Definition of Operational Terms…………………………………………….7

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

 2.1 Introduction……………………………………………………...……...…..9

 2.2 Historical Perspective………………………………………………...……..9

 2.3 Theological Framework…………………………………...………………10

2.3.1 Theological Rationale…………………………………………………….13

 2.4 Conceptual Framework……………………………………………...…….14

  2.4.1 Historical Development of Spiritual Support Systems…………………..15

2.4.2 Types of Spiritual Support………………………………………………..15

 2.4.3 Availability of Spiritual Support in Communities……………………….16

 2.4.4 Impact of Spiritual Support on Coping Mechanisms………………...…..17

2.4.5 Challenges in Accessing Spiritual Support………………………..……...17

2.4.6 Methodologies for Evaluating Effectiveness…………………….……….17

2.4.7 Psychological Outcomes of Spiritual Support……………………… ……18

2.4.8 Cultural and Contextual Factors………………………………………….18

2.4.9 Challenges and Limitations……………………………………………....18

2.4.10 Spiritual Practices in the Grieving Process……………………………..19

2.4.11 The Impact of Spiritual Support on Well-Being in Bereavement………21

2.5 Current Trends……………………………………………………..………23

2.6 Theoretical Framework……………………………………………….……24

 2.6.1 The Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement………..………..24

2.6.2 Meaning-Making Theory………………………………….……………..27

2.6.3 Attachment Theory…………………………….…………………………31

2.6.4 Social Support Theory……………………………………………………35

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 3.1 Introduction…………………………………………………….………….39

3.2 Research Design……………………………………………………………39

3.3 Location of the Study……………………………………………………….39

 3.4 Population of the Study…………………………………………………....40

3.5 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques………………………………...…..40

3.5.1 Sample Size………………………………………………………………40

 3.5.2 Sampling Technique………………………………………..……………40

3.6 Research Instrument………………………………………………………..41

3.7 Validity and Reliability…………………………………………………….41

3.7.1 Validity of the Instrument……………………………………….……….41

3.7.2 Reliability of the Instrument……………………………………………..41

3.8 Data Collection and Procedure……………………………………………..42

3.8.1 Administration of the Instrument…………………………………………42

3.9 Research Ethics…………………………………………………………….42

 3.10 Data Analysis…………………...………………………………………..42

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

4.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………...44

4.2 Presentation of Findings……………………………………………………45

4.2.1 Demographic Results………………………………………………….…45

4.2.2 Test of Reliability………………………………………………………..52

4.2.3 Synopsis of Pastoral Care………………………………………………..52

4.2.4 synopsis of Pastoral Care……………………………………………...…53

4.2.5 Synopsis of Prayer and Meditation………………………………………55

4.2.6 Synopsis of Religious Rituals…………………………………………….56

4.2.7 Synopsis of Communal Support……………………………………...…..57

4.2.8 Synopsis of Spiritual Counseling…………………………………………58

4.2.9 Synopsis of Coping with the death of a family member…………………60

4.3 Testing of Hypothesis……………………….……………………………...61

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS

5.1 Introduction……………………………………….……………..……..…..64

5.2 Discussion of Findings:………………………….…………………………65

CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION AND SUGGESTION FOR FURTHER STUDY

 6.1 Introduction……………………………………………………….……….70

6.2 Summary of Findings………………………………………………………70

6.3 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………71

6.4 Recommendations………………………………………………………….71

6.5 Suggestions for Further Study…………………………………….………..72

References………………………………………………………...……………73

List of Tables:

Table 1:  Frequency table of Gender Distribution of Participants………………45

Table 2:  Descriptive statistics for Age Group of Participants …………….…46

Table 3: Frequency table of Marital Status Distribution of Participants ………47

Table 4:  Frequency Table of Religion Distribution of Participants …………48

Table 5:  Frequency table of Educational Level Distribution of Participants…50

Table 6:  Frequency Table of Geographical Location Distribution of Participants……………………………………………………………………..51

Table 7:  Frequency Table of Language Spoken Distribution of Participants…52

List of Figures:

Fig.4.2.1: Conceptual Model of Spiritual Support in Bereavement ……..…….14

Fig. 4.2.2 Gender of the Respondent on Bar Chart………………..……..l.……46

Fig. 4 2.3 Age Range of the Respondent on Bar Chart……………….………47

Fig. 4.2.4 Marital Status of the Respondents on Histogram Chart……………48

Fig. 4.2.5 Religious Affiliation of the Respondents on Bar chart……………..49

Fig. 4.2.6 Educational Level of the Respondents on Pie chart…………………50

Fig. 4.2.7 Geographical Location of the Respondents on a Bar Chart…………51

Fig. 4.2.8   Frequency Table of Language Spoken Distribution of Participants .52

Appendixes “1”: Conceptual Model ……………………………………..……79

Appendixes “2”: Survey Questionnaire ………………………………………..80

Appendixes “3”: Test of Reliability Test Result…………………………...…..85

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                           INTRODUCTION

 1.1 Background of the Study

The death of a family member is a metaphysical and often devastating experience that can significantly impact the expressive and psychological well-being of individuals within a community. Coping with such a loss requires substantial support systems to navigate the complex emotions involved. Spiritual support has been identified as a crucial component in the grieving process, offering comfort, meaning, and a sense of hope to the bereaved (Park, 2013).

In many African societies, spirituality and communal support are deeply intertwined with traditional practices neighboring death and mourning. Akwanga Local Government in Nasarawa State is no exception, where traditional beliefs and spiritual practices play a vital role in how individuals cope with loss. The integration of spiritual support mechanisms, such as counseling from religious leaders, communal prayers, and participation in spiritual rituals, can facilitate healing and resilience among those grieving (Osafo et al., 2017).

Understanding the role of spiritual support in these communities is essential for developing effective interventions that respect cultural values while addressing the emotional needs of the bereaved. This study seeks to explore how spiritual support influences coping mechanisms among individuals dealing with the death of a family member in selected communities within Akwanga Local Government.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the acknowledged significance of spiritual support in the grieving process, there is a lack of empirical data examining its specific impact on coping strategies in Akwanga Local Government. Many individuals may struggle with grief due to insufficient or ineffective spiritual support, leading to prolonged mourning and potential mental health issues such as depression or anxiety ( Wortmann & Park, 2008).

Furthermore, with the advent of modernization and changing cultural dynamics, traditional spiritual support systems may be weakening, leaving a gap in the support network for the bereaved. Identifying and understanding these challenges is crucial for community leaders, healthcare providers, and spiritual practitioners to enhance support structures for individuals coping with loss.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

 1.3.1 Aim of the Study

The aim of this study is to Explore the role of spiritual support in aiding individuals to cope with the death of a family member in selected communities within Akwanga Local Government, Nasarawa State.

 1.3.2 Objectives of the Study

The following objectives are formulated to guide the study:

       i.            To assess the availability and types of spiritual support offered in selected communities in Akwanga Local Government.

     ii.            To evaluate the effectiveness of various forms of spiritual support in aiding individuals in coping with the death of a family member.

  iii.            To identify the specific spiritual practices that individuals find most beneficial during their grieving process.

   iv.            To examine the relationship between the level of spiritual support received and the overall well-being of individuals coping with loss.

     v.            To provide recommendations for community leaders and spiritual practitioners on enhancing spiritual support systems for the bereaved.

 1.4 Research Questions and Hypotheses

 1.4.1 Research Questions

The following research questions are to be used for the investigations into the study:

       i.            What are the different types of spiritual support available in selected communities in Akwanga Local Government?

     ii.            How effective are various forms of spiritual support in aiding individuals to cope with the death of a family member?

  iii.            Which specific spiritual practices do individuals find most beneficial during their grieving process?

   iv.            What is the relationship between the level of spiritual support received and the overall well-being of individuals coping with loss?

     v.            What recommendations can enhance spiritual support systems for the bereaved in these communities?

 1.4.2 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis 1

H₀: The availability and types of spiritual support have no important influence on individuals' coping mechanisms in selected communities.

H₁: The availability and types of spiritual support have a significant influence on individuals' coping mechanisms in selected communities.

Hypothesis 2

H₀: - There is no significant difference in the coping ability of individuals regardless of the forms of spiritual support received.

H₁: -  There is a significant difference in the coping ability of individuals based on the forms of spiritual support received.

Hypothesis 3

H₀: No specific spiritual practices are perceived as more beneficial than others during the grieving process.

H₁: Certain specific spiritual practices are perceived as more beneficial than others during the grieving process.

Hypothesis 4

H₀: There is no significant relationship between the level of spiritual support received and the overall well-being of individuals coping with loss.

H₁ : There is a significant relationship between the level of spiritual support received and the overall well-being of individuals coping with loss.

Hypothesis 5

 H₀: Implementing specific recommendations does not significantly enhance the effectiveness of spiritual support systems for the bereaved.

H₁: Implementing specific recommendations significantly enhances the effectiveness of spiritual support systems for the bereaved.

1.5 Significance / Justification of the Study

This study is significant as it contributes to the sympathetic of how spiritual support affects grieving individuals in a culturally specific context. Insights from the research can aid mental health professionals, spiritual leaders, and policymakers in:

Developing culturally suitable interventions that strengthen existing spiritual support systems. Informing policies and programs that integrate spiritual care into mourning support services.

Enhancing the capacity of spiritual practitioners to provide effective support, thereby improving the well-being of individuals coping with loss.

Through focusing on Akwanga Local Government, the study addresses a gap in regional research and provides data that could be extrapolated to similar settings.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is confined to selected communities within Akwanga Local Government in Nasarawa State. It focuses on adults who have experienced the death of a family member within the past five years. The research examines the types and effectiveness of spiritual support provided, the most beneficial spiritual practices, and the relationship between spiritual support and well-being.

 1.7 Limitation of the Study

Due to human imperfections the following could be Potential limitations of this study:

       i.            Ethnic sensitivity: Discussing death and personal grief may be culturally sensitive, possibly affecting participants' willingness to share openly.

     ii.            Accessibility of Data: Difficulty in accessing reliable records or participants due to geographic constraints or mistrust of outsiders.

 1.8 Definition of Operational Terms

a.      Spiritual Support: Help provided through spiritual or religious means, including counseling, rituals, prayers, and other practices aimed at providing comfort and coping mechanisms for individuals experiencing grief (Koenig, 2012).

b.     Coping: The process of managing taxing circumstances, expending effort to solve personal and interpersonal problems, and seeking to master or reduce stress (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).

c.      Bereavement: The period of mourning and adjustment after the loss of a loved one (Stroebe, Schut, & Boerner, 2017).

d.     Well-being: A state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity; in this context, it refers to the psychological and emotional state of individuals coping with grief.

e.      Grieving Process: The emotional journey that individuals undergo following a loss, encompassing various stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance (Kübler-Ross & Kessler, 2005).

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