Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Spirituality:

Abstract #92
Faith Communities: Impact on Public Health Provisiom
Presenter: Jim Robertson
Abstract:
Research and practice experience in NE England is illustrating the important role of faith, and faith motivated initiatives in people's health particularly in marginalised and disadvantaged communities. Experience suggests that faith can be a protective factor in health behaviours and outcomes. Faith communities are potentially important settings for public health interventions. Narratives from local people and actors illustrate that cultural and faith assumptions and conventions are intimately linked with understandings of health, around maintaining good health, and dealing with poor health. 
An action oriented research methodology using personal and community resilience concepts is accruing and summarising key evidence and identifying key themes for action by public health agencies and faith communities respectively and together. The process is also providing some important case studies and examples of good practice.  The presentation will encourage discernment re the methodology and some of the key themes. Progress will be reviewed re the evidencing of practical tools and approaches  that are evidence based and enable both faith communities and public health teams to take appropriate action.

Abstract #90
Spirituality as a Foundation of Resilience for Children Living in Low Income Communities
Presenter: Roseline Olumbe
Abstract:
Children within low income communities in Africa are faced with a myriad of challenges that affect their wellbeing. Their challenges include social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual. However, research shows that when these children embrace a spiritual foundation, they are able to forge on with life and make a living regardless of their circumstances. Spirituality has to do with helping children have a relationship with God. This relationship enables children develop a sense of meaning in life making them resilient. Shelly (1982) notes that spiritual needs are meaning of life, purpose of living, giving and receiving love, a sense of forgiveness, hope, creativity, responsibility and self-control. Children who have been enabled to meet these needs are found to be resilient. In a research conducted in Kibera, the major slum in Sub-Sahara Africa, it was noted that spirituality enables children find meaning and purpose in life. Out of 97 child participants, 45.4% claimed that their Christian faith was a source of influence in their lives. It was concluded that spirituality plays a major role in the lives of children enabling them to cope with life challenges. A recommendation was made for parents and other adults to intentionally nurture children’s spirituality.

Abstract #114
The Relationship Between Christian Religious Faith And Practices And Resilience In Person With Essential Hypertension From Ghana
Presenter: Frederick Anyan Co - Presenter: Odin Hjemdal
Abstract:
The objective of this qualitative study was to better understand coping mechanisms of selected essential hypertension patients in Accra, Ghana. Interviews were conducted. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse data from five Christian participants between 45 to 60 years. Results showed that through a process of navigation and negotiation where participants selected from available resources, Christian religious faith and practices were protective resources that was selected to most likely influence positively mental and physical health related outcomes. In this process, the patients accessed social support and resources after activation of beliefs in religious faith and practices. The activation of faith and practices was also associated with increased self-efficacy. Consequently in re-appraisal, this resulted in an efficacy expectation and an avoidance strategy that protected participants from prolonged worry about their condition by deferring their condition to God and waiting for God to resolve the situation which resulted in a positive adaptation. This presentation highlights on the relationship between religion and resilience on one hand and sense of coherence on the other hand. For religious individuals, nurturing religious faith and practices so that it takes a prominent role can be protective and promote processes associated with resilience to inform clinical interventions.