Objective: Religious coping is one of the most frequently used coping
methods in parents of children with cancer. This study aims to explain dimensions of
religious coping in mothers of children with cancer in Iran. Methods: In this
qualitative content analysis, using purposeful sampling, 8 mothers of children with cancer
were selected and interviewed. When saturation was achieved, data were analyzed through
directed content analysis. Primary and secondary codes were placed in prelabeled
categories and subcategories based on Pargament’s religious coping theory.
Results: The participants of the study used coping methods in 4 of the 5
objectives of religious coping, that are meaning, control, comfort, and intimacy with
others and closeness to God. Three of the most frequent used coping methods by the
participants were “Punishing God Reappraisal,” “Pleading for Direct Intercession,” and
“Benevolent Religious Reappraisal,” respectively. None of the participants used religious
coping methods for its function of “life transformation.” Conclusions: As
suggested by Pargament’s theory of religious coping, the dynamic, multidimensional process
of religious coping has a culture-based pattern with unpredictable outcomes. Despite many
similarities between religious coping in a Shia Muslim society and other studied ones,
some differences are observed. Further studies are needed to show the potential evidence
of the concept in relation to cultural diversity and religious differences.
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