The Role of Religion in Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Elderly Experiences in the Philippines

Abstract

This qualitative case study aims to highlights how spiritual coping and social cohesion were used to foster geriatric resilience among the elderly in Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya, during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are studies about the physical toll of the pandemic in different aspects of society; however, there is a critical research gap in the meaning-making processes of rural populations that are far more religious and rely on religious institutions as a safety net. Data were gathered using purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews that investigated how faith frameworks were reconstructed during the COVID-19 pandemic.  In the data analysis, the study used thematic analysis, and the findings reveal that existential anxiety and moral distress were prevalent, but through religious practices, faith played a role as a multidimensional resource coping mechanism, particularly private praying, cognitive meaning-making, and social solidarity. The results highlight the relevance of religion in the mechanisms for social control and emotional stability to mitigate mental health problems. Furthermore, the study highlights the relevance of sacralization of safety in rural contexts, which is crucial in integrating spiritual care into public health frameworks to develop geriatric resilience during future global crises.