Ett internationellt projekt om meningsskapande coping

Professor Fereshteh Ahmadi
Department of Social Work, Criminology and Public Health
University of Gävle, Sweden

Introduction

The primary objective of this project is to carry out international research focused on understanding the ways in which individuals affected by crises employ meaning-making coping strategies, with a particular emphasis on the influence of culture. "Meaning-making coping" refers to the array of coping methods that address existential questions, encompassing religious, spiritual (both religious-spiritual and non-religious-spiritual), and other existential coping techniques.

This study is conducted among cancer patients in multiple countries, including Sweden, China, South Korea, Turkey, Japan, Malaysia, Brazil, the Philippines, Iran, and Portugal. Additionally, the study will be extended to include South Africa.

Background

The project builds on two previous projects: a) a qualitative study on "Religious and spiritual coping methods among cancer sufferers in Sweden" (2000-2006). The Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Sciences- FAS obtained the grant. Results have been published in the form of two monographs and an article. Final report has been sent. b) a survey on "Religious and spiritual coping methods among cancer sufferers in Sweden" (2010-2012).

Existential relevance for human well-being has been highlighted in recent decades. However, when I completed my survey of religious and spiritual coping methods in 2009, there were not any empirical study that showed the extent to which spirituality, rather than denominational religiosity, played the role of coping in serious crises. In the few studies that had been done had been focused on religious people. Many studies in this field, even internationally, had neglected the non-religious populations. Already in 2001-2004, I conducted a qualitative study to answer the question "what is the role of spiritual coping methods (even the non-religious) in life-threatening crises?" And "what is the role of culture in the selection of these methods." I had interviewed 51 cancer patients, religious and non-religious men and women 25-83 years of age (Ahmadi 2006). All had been socialized in the Swedish cultural environment. This exploratory study was used to design a more extensive quantitative study of cancer patients, men and women. I have been in 2009 conducted a quantitative study to examine the extent to which the results obtained in the qualitative study among patients with cancer in Sweden applies to a wider population of cancer patients in this country. The design of the new quantitative study I have, in addition to questions from the previous qualitative survey study also used a RCOPE questionnaire (designed by Kenneth I. Pargament). Surveys were distributed to various cancer organizations; 2355 people diagnosed with cancer responded.

Main purpose and specific issues

The primary aim of this international research project was to investigate the utilization of meaning-making coping strategies within diverse cultural contexts. Beyond this overarching goal, our project sought to identify and elucidate novel meaning-making methods. These endeavors were undertaken with the intention of enriching and evolving our theoretical understanding of the pivotal role that culture plays in the coping process.

Exploration of Cultural Variability in Coping Mechanisms

Our project was designed to explore the wide spectrum of meaning-making coping mechanisms employed by individuals from various cultural backgrounds. We aimed to discern the cultural nuances and variations in the adoption of coping strategies, recognizing that culture significantly influences the ways in which people navigate crises and seek to find meaning in challenging situations.

Identification of Innovative Coping Strategies

In addition to investigating established coping methods, our research also sought to uncover innovative and potentially culture-specific approaches to meaning-making. By identifying these novel coping strategies, we aimed to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on how individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds adapt to and derive meaning from adversity.

Advancement of Cultural-Coping Theory

One of the central goals of our project was to advance our theoretical framework regarding the influence of culture on coping. By examining the coping practices of individuals from different cultures, we aimed to refine and expand our understanding of how cultural factors shape the coping process. This exploration allowed us to develop a more comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the interplay between culture and meaning-making in the face of crises.

Our international research project was dedicated to unraveling the intricate relationship between culture and meaning-making coping methods, with a particular focus on both established and emerging strategies. By achieving these objectives, we aimed to contribute to the field's theoretical underpinnings and enhance our understanding of the profound impact of culture on coping in diverse societies.

Methodology

The methodology employed in this research project involves a structured two-step approach implemented across various countries:

Step 1: Qualitative Semi-Structured Interview Studies

In the initial stage of the research, qualitative semi-structured interviews are conducted with individuals who are currently experiencing a crisis, such as cancer patients. Each research team utilizes the interview questions that were originally employed in the Swedish study, with the adaptation and modification of questions guided by a socio-cultural perspective. This approach enables the comparative analysis of the data collected from different cultural contexts.

Selection Criteria: Informants are selected from a pool of male and female cancer patients aged 18 years and older. It is essential to note that none of the participants are chosen based on their specific interest in religion or spirituality.

Step 2: Quantitative Study Based on Qualitative Findings

Building on the outcomes of the qualitative study, the second step involves the implementation of a quantitative study. This quantitative phase is designed to provide a broader and more quantifiable perspective on the coping methods identified in the initial qualitative investigation.

The research methodology consists of a tandem approach. The initial qualitative phase captures the rich narratives and experiences of crisis-affected individuals, and the subsequent quantitative phase complements this by offering a quantitative analysis of the observed coping methods. This two-step process enables a comprehensive understanding of how individuals across different cultures manage crises and seek meaning in their experiences, all while ensuring that participants are selected without any preconceived focus on religious or spiritual interests.

Ethical considerations

The objective and the questionnaire employed in this project have undergone rigorous ethical scrutiny and have received approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority[1], which is the state authority responsible for ethical reviews. The study diligently adheres to four fundamental research principles, which encompass the information requirement, the consent requirement, confidentiality requirements, and usage requirements. All researchers involved in this project possess substantial experience in conducting research with vulnerable populations and recognize the necessity to uphold ethical standards, especially in studies dealing with sensitive information.

In certain countries, due to local legal requirements mandating additional ethical clearance, we have duly applied for and obtained such permissions when necessary.

It is worth noting that the four general requirements for research will be upheld with some necessary modifications, taking into account the information requirement, the requirement for consent, confidentiality provisions, and usage criteria. All members of the research team bring valuable experience in conducting research involving vulnerable individuals, fully understanding the need to handle sensitive information with the utmost adherence to ethical principles.

Researchers in the Project (Ranked by the Commencement Date of the Studies):

Swedish study:

  1. Fereshteh Ahmadi, (main responsible of the project) Ph. D. Full professor in Sociology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, Department of Social Work and Psychology, University of Gävle, Sweden.

2. Nader Ahmadi, Ph.D. Full professor in Sociology, director general of the Swedish Agency for Work Environment (a government agency under the Ministry of Labor and Employment).

  1. Andreas Önver Cetrez Ph. D. Full Professor in Psychology of Religion, Faculty of Theology, Uppsala University.
  1. Jimmy Munobwa (PhD in Social Work, University of Gävle).

Korean Study:

  1. Kyung Mee Kim, Ph.D. in School of Social Welfare at University of Kansas in USA. She works at the Department of Social Welfare, Soongsil University, Seoul, South Korea.
  2. Jisung Park, Ph.D. in Socil Welfare, aging studies, at State University of New York at Albany. She works as a researcher at the School of Social Welfare Chief Research fellow, Retirement Research Center, Samsung Life Insurance. Seoul, South Korea.

Chinese study

  1. Chen Weijia, Ph.D., in Social Welfare, Postdoctoral Research Fellow,Chinese Academy of Social Science, Beijing, China.

Turkish study

  1. Pelin Erbil, Ph.D in psychology, Oncology Clinic, Humanity Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey.
  2. Önver, A. Cetrez, Associate professor. Ph.D. in Psychology of Religion and Cultural Psychology, Lecturer at the Faculty of Theology, Uppsala University, Sweden. Deputy Director Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul, Turkey.
  3. Asli Ortakmac, President of Cancer Survivors Association, Istanbul, Turkey.

Malaysian study

  1. Nur Atikah Mohamed Hussin, Ph.D in Social Work; lecturer at the Social Work Department, School of Social Sciences. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  2. Mohd Taufik Mohammad, Ph. D. in Social Work; lecturer at the Social Work Department, School of Social Sciences. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Philippian study

  1. Mae- Lanie, O. Poblete , D. student, College of Nursing, MSU- Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines.

Brazilian study

  1. Mary Rute G. Esperandio, Professor and psychologist. Department of Theology and Bioethics .Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Brazil.
  2. Julia M. C. FerreiraPontifical . Ph.D. student. Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR), Brazil.

Portuguese study

  1. Paula Mena Matos, Professor of Pychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Portugal.
  2. Carla Tomas, PhD in Psychology, the Instituto Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes (ISMAT), university city is Portimão, Algarve. Portugal.
  3. Rita Tavares, PhD student, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Portugal

Japanese study

  1. Hiroko Kase, Ph.D. in Human Sciences, Professor of Gerontology, Department of Health Science and Social Welfare, Faculty of Human Sciences , Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
  2. Yi Xiaohe, MS student in Gerontology, Department of Health Science and Social Welfare, Faculty of Human Sciences , Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
  3. Chizuko Saito, Professor in religion and Psychology, Department of Social system Studies, Doshisha Women’s college of Liberal Arts. Kyoto, Japan.
  4. Mohammad Rabbani, Department of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Iranian study

  1. Mohammad Khodayarifard. Professor of clinical child Psychology and the Dean of the Faculty of Department of the Psychology and Education at the Tehran University, Iran.
  2. Bagher Ghobari-Bonab, Ph.D. Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
  3. Saeid Zandi, Ph.D. student Faculty of Psychology and Education, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
  4. Mona Sabzevari, M.A. student in Child and Adolescent Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

South Africa

  1. Prof Nompumelelo Ntshingila: Associate Professor. specializing in DCur Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg
  2. Prof Charlene Downing: Professor of Nursing, with qualifications DCur (UJ) and FFNM (RCSI). Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg

Publications Concerning Project Meaning-making Coping

International referee articles:

  1. Ahmadi, F., Zandi, S., Khodayarifard, M., Cetrez, Ö. A., & Akhavan, S. (2023). Job Satisfaction and Overcoming the Challenges of Teleworking in Times of COVID-19: A Pilot Study Among Iranian University Community. SAGE Open, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231173654 External link.
  2. Ahmadi F, Cetrez ÖA, Zandi S. (2023) Living through a Global Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Psychological Resilience of the University Population in Iran. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20(6):4844. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064844 External link.
  3. Ahmadi, F., Zandi, S., Khodayarifard, M., Cetrez, Ö. A., & Akhavan, S. (2023). Job Satisfaction and Overcoming the Challenges of Teleworking in Times of COVID-19: A Pilot Study Among Iranian University Community. SAGE Open, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231173654 External link.
  4. Cetrez, Önver Andreas, Saeid Zandi, and Fereshteh Ahmadi. 2022. "When a Pandemic Strikes: Resilience of Swedish Academics in the Face of Coronavirus" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health19, no. 20: 13346. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013346
  5. Zandi, S., Ahmadi, F., Cetrez, Ö. A., & Akhavan, S. (2022). Coping Orientation of Academic Community in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Multi-Country Survey Study. Illness, Crisis & Loss. DOI: 1177/10541373221088391 External link.
  6. Ahmadi F, Zandi S, Cetrez ÖA, Akhavan S. (2022) Job satisfaction and challenges of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study in a Swedish academic setting. Work. 71(2):357-370. doi: 10.3233/WOR-210442. PMID: 35095001.
  7. F.; Khodayarifard, M.; Rabbani, M.; Zandi, S. & Sabzevari, M. (2022). Existential meaning-making coping in Iran: A qualitative study among patients with cancer. Social Sciences, 11(2). 10.3390/socsci11020080 External link.
  8. Ahmadi External link., ; Cetrez External link., A. Ö, Akhavan External link.; Sh. Khodayarifard External link., M & Zandi, S. (2022). How has the University Community Been Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic? An Iranian Survey. Front. Sociol., 18 January 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2021.645670 External link.
  9. Ahmadi, F., Khodayarifard, M, Zandi, S. Khorrami-Markani, A. Ghobari-Bonab, B, Sabzevari, M. &Ahmadi, N. (2021). Religion, culture and illness: a sociological study on religious coping in Iran. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 21 (7). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13674676.2018.1555699
  10. Ahmadi, F. & Zandi. S. (2021). Meaning-Making Coping Methods among Bereaved Parents: A Pilot Survey Study in Swede. Behavioral Sciences11, no. 10: 131. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11100131
  11. Ahmadi, F., Akhavan, sh., Zandi, S. & Cetrez. Ö. A. (2021) Job satisfaction and challenges of working from home at the time of COVID-19: A study in a Swedish academic setting. WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation.
  12. Ahmadi, F., Cetrez, Ö. A. Akhavan, Sh. & Zandi. S. (2021). Meaning-Making Coping with COVID-19 in Academic Settings: The Case of Sweden. Illness, Crisis & Loss. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10541373211022002
  13. Ahmadi, F. & Ahmadi, N. (2021). Sanctification in coping from a cultural perspective". Illness, Crisis& https://doi.org/10.1177/1054137320982203 External link..
  14. Cetrez, Ö. A. Ahmadi, F. Erbil E. (2020) A Comparative Survey Study on Meaning‐Making Coping among Cancer Patients in Turkey. Religions/ Special Issue "Meaning-Making Coping, Health and Crisis".
    Doi: 10.3390/rel11060284.

https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/review_info/16681988e7f021e66533a1d70899fed1 External link.

  1. Ahmadi, F; Mohamad Hussin, N. A. (2020) Patients` meaning making regarding their dreams: A study among cancer patients in Malaysia. Dream Journal. DOI: 1037/drm0000122 External link.
  2. Ahmadi, F.; Rabbani, M; Yi, X; Kase, H; Ahmadi, N. (2019) Spiritual and Secular Existential Meaning-Making Coping Methods among Japanese Cancer Patients. International Journal of Social Science Studies 7(6):109-122.. Available online: October 18, 2019, doi:10.11114/ijsss.v7i6.4527 URL: https://doi.org/10.11114/ijsss.v7i6.4527 External link.

ISSN 2324-8033 E-ISSN 2324-8041

  1. Ahmadi, F., Rabbani. M. (2019) Religious Coping Methods among Cancer Patients in Three Islamic Countries: A Comparative Perspective. International Journal of Social Science Studies 7(5): 72-82. doi:10.11114/ijsss.v7i5.4417

http://redfame.com/journal/index.php/ijsss/article/view/4417/4652 External link.

  1. Ahmadi, F., Tavares, R., Matos, P. M., Tomás, C., Ahmadi N. (2019). Secular Existential Meaning-Making Coping Among Cancer Patients in Portugal: A Qualitative Study. Illness, Crisis & Loss.
    https://journals.sagepub.com/eprint/ZACYMZFSUMEXQ9XZKSD8/full External link.
    org/10.1177/1054137319864854 External link.
  2. Ahmadi, F.; Khodayarifard, M; Zandi, S.; Khorrami-Markani, A.; Ghobari-Bonab, Sabzevari, M; Ahmadi, N., (2018). Religion, Culutre and Illness: A Sociological Study on Religious Coping in Iran. Mental Helath, Religion & Culture 21(7):721-736. doi: 10.1080/13674676.2018.1555699

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13674676.2018.1555699

  1. Ahmadi, F. Mohamed Hussin, N. Ahmadi. Taufik Mohammad, M. (2018) Religion, Culture and Meaning- Making Coping: A study among Cancer Patients in Malaysia. Journal of Religion and Health. 58:1909–1924 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10943-018-0636-9 External link.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0636-9
  2. Ahmadi, F. Erbil, P. Ahmadi, N. Cetrez, Ö. A. (2018) Religion, Culture and Meaning-Making Coping: A Study Among Cancer Patients in Turkey. Journal of Religion and Health. 58(4), 1115-1124. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0646-7
  3. Ahmadi, F., Cetrez Ö., A.Erbil, P., Ahmadi, N., Ortak, A. (2017) A Survey Study among Cancer Patients in Turkey: Meaning-making Coping. Illness, Crisis and Loss. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1054137317720751 External link.
  4. Ahmadi, F, Park, J, Kim, K. M. & Ahmadi, N. (2017). Meaning-making coping among cancer patients in Sweden and South Korea: A comparative perspective. Journal of religion and Health. J Relig Health External link.. 56(5): 1794–1811.

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10943-017-0383-3 External link.

  1. Ahmadi, N. & Ahmadi, F. (2017). The Use of Religious Coping Methods in a Secular Society: A survey study among cancer patients in Sweden. Illness, Crisis & Loss. 25(3):171-199. doi: 10.1177/1054137315614513. Epub 2015 Nov 18.
  2. Ahmadi, N., Ahmadi, F. Erbil, P., Cetrez, Ö. A. (2016), Religious meaning-making coping in Turkey: a study among cancer patients. Illness, Crisis and Loss. Article first published online: October 6, 2016 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1054137316672042 External link.. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1054137316672042
  3. Ahmadi, F.; Park, J.; Kim, M. K. & Ahmadi, N. (2016) Exploring existential coping resources: the perspective of Koreans with cancer. Journal of Religion and Health. DOI 10.1007/s10943-016-0219-6; http://rdcu.be/ksP2 External link.
  4. Ahmadi, F. & Ahmadi, N. (2015). Nature as the Most Important Coping Strategy among Cancer Patients: A Swedish Survey. Journal of Religion and Health 52(4):1177-90.
  5. Ahmadi, F. (2013). Music as a method of coping with cancer: a qualitative study among cancer patients in Sweden. Art and health. 5(2):152-165.

(To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2013.780087)

  1. Ahmadi, F. (2010). Song lyrics and the alteration of self-image. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 20(3):225-241.
  2. Ahamdi, F. & Norberg, M. (2010). Aggressiv musik som copingstrategi (Aggressive music as a coping method) Socialmedicinsk tidskrift 87(2):78-86) (Journal of Social Medicine), Tema Kultur och hälsa.
  3. Ahmadi, F. (2009). Hard and Heavy Music: Can It Make a Difference in the Young Cancer Patients’ Life? Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 9(2). (A referee online journal). Retrieved July 2, 2009, from http://www.voices.no/mainissues/mi40009000302.php
  4. Ahmadi Lewin, F. (2001). Investigating the Religious and Spiritually-oriented Coping Strategies in the Swedish Context: A review of literature and directions for future research. Illness, Crisis & Loss 9(4):336-356.

Books

  1. Ahmadi, F., & Ahmadi, N. (2018). Meaning-Making for Coping with Serious Illness: Studies in Secular and Religious Societies. New York: Routledge.
  2. Ahmadi, F. (2015) (red.). Coping with Cancer in Sweden – A Search for Meaning. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. Studia sociologica Upsaliensia, 63.
  3. Ahmadi, F. & Larsson, S. (2014). Hälsa, livsmiljö och arbetsliv – ett socialt arbete perspektiv (Health, Living envirenmetn and Workings life (A Social Work Perspective). Gävle University Press.
  4. Ahmadi, F. (2008). Kultur och Hälsa. Lund: Studentlitteratur.
  5. Ahmadi, F. (2006). Culture, Religion and Spirituality in Coping; The Example of Cancer Patients in Sweden. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. 53.

Chapter in book

  1. Zandi, S., Ahmadi, F. (2024). Religious/Spiritual Coping and Secular Existential Coping. In: Liamputtong, P. (eds) Handbook of Concepts in Health, Health Behavior and Environmental Health. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-0821-5_24-1
  2. Ahmadi, F. (2016). Coping with Cancer through Music :Three Studies among Cancer Patients in Sweden, in Mandana Hashefi, Music Therapy in the management of Medical Conditions. New York: Nova Science Publishers.
  3. Ahmadi, F. (2015) Definition of Concepts, i F. Ahmadi (ed.) Coping with Cancer in Sweden – A Search for Meaning. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. Studia sociologica Upsaliensia, 6.3
  4. Ahmadi, F. (2015) A Qualitative study on religious and spiritual coping with cancer in Sweden i F. Ahmadi (ed.) Coping with Cancer in Sweden – A Search for Meaning. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis.
  5. Ahmadi, F. & Ahmadi N. & Mousavi F. (2015) Results on Use of Religious Coping among Cancer Patientsin Sweden, i F. Ahmadi (ed.) Coping with Cancer in Sweden – A Search for Meaning. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis.
  6. Ahmadi, F., Ahmadi N. & Mousavi F. (2015), Results on the Use of Spiritual Coping among Cancer Patients in Sweden, i F. Ahmadi (ed.) Coping with Cancer in Sweden – A Search for Meaning. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis.
  7. Ahmadi, F., Ahmadi N. & Mousavi F. (2015), Results on the Use of Secular Existential Coping among Cancer Patients in Sweden, i F. Ahmadi (ed.) Coping with Cancer in Sweden – A Search for Meaning. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis.
  8. Ahmadi, F. (2014). Coping och arbetsliv: Arbetsliv som en coping-strategi [Coping and working life: Working life as a coping strategy]. In F. Ahmadi & S. Larsson (Eds.), Hälsa, livsmiljö och arbetsliv: ett socialt arbete-perspektiv [Health, living environment and workings life: A social work perspective] (pp. 61-74). Gävle: Gävle University Press.
  9. Ahmadi, F. (2010). “Kultuuriperspektiiviline uurimus Rootsi vähipatsientide religioossetest ja vaimsetest toimetulekumeetoditest” (A study of the religious and spiritual coping methods among Swedish cancer patients from a cultural perspective) i P. Paal & E. Kalmre
    (eds.) Inimene, tervis ja haigused. Terviseteemaline artiklikogumik "Medica". /Human Health and Illness from Cultural Perspective.
    Tänapäeva folkloorist 9/ Contemporary Folklore 9
    Tartu 2010: ELM Scholarly Press
  10. Ahmadi, F. (2008). “kulturens indvirkning på åndlig coping med kraef” (The impact of culture in coping with cancer) i N. C. Hvidt & C. Johansen (red.) kan bjerge flytte Troen (Can the mountain move the faith?). Copenhagen: Gyldenda, Nordisk forlag: 211-232.

[1] https://etikprovningsmyndigheten.se/en/