Date
5-20-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
William McMillan
Keywords
Older adults, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, religious engagement, spirituality, religious coping, phenomenological study
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Kelley, Krista, "The Role of Faith in Coping With Mental Health Challenges in Late Life: A Phenomenological Study of Religious Experience in the Aging Population" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8339.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8339
Abstract
Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are significant concerns among older adults. These conditions are often neglected due to stigma, atypical symptom presentation, and medical comorbidities, resulting in increased healthcare utilization, heightened suicide risk, and emotional dysregulation. Psychosocially, these challenges obstruct a successful resolution of Erikson’s final stage, ego integrity versus despair, leading to dissatisfaction, regret, and reduced well-being. Although previous research has suggested a link between religious engagement and improved mental health outcomes, few studies have explored older adults’ lived experiences of faith in coping with mental health. This qualitative phenomenological study examined the experiences of 25 older adults regarding the role of religious and spiritual engagement in managing mental health challenges. Findings revealed that participants frequently relied on faith to provide hope, meaning, and emotional protection. Coping strategies included prayer, scripture reading, meditation, and helping others, while religious community and social support were sources of resilience. Participants described barriers to engagement, including physical limitations, fear of judgment, and lack of formal religious affiliation. Experiences varied according to individual beliefs, background, and personal coping preferences, highlighting the nuanced role of religion and spirituality in mental health. By understanding older adults’ perspectives on religious and spiritual coping, clinicians, pastoral care providers, and others can foster resilience, enhance coping strategies, and improve quality of life for older adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation.
