Relationship Between Coping Strategies, Religious Attitude, and Optimism of Mothers of Children With Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between coping strategies, religious attitude, and optimism of mothers of children with cancer. Method: The sample was 97 mothers of children with cancer. To collect data, the Coping Strategy Questionnaire, Religious Attitude Scale, and Life Orientation were used. Results: There were positive correlations between the total score of Coping Strategy Questionnaire and emotional scores of Religious Attitude Scale (r = 0.170, p = .04). The correlation relationship between mothers' coping, religious tendencies, and optimism tendencies was not significant (p > .05). There were also positive correlations between Coping Strategy Questionnaire Social Support Seeking subscale and the total scores of Religious Attitude Scale (r = 0.189, p = .03) and Life Orientation Test (r = 0.183, p = .03). Discussion: Mothers with a higher religious attitude had bettter social support and were more optimistic. These results will contribute to understanding the influence of religion in different cultures.