title: Spirituality, Religion, and Health: The Role of Communication, Appraisals, and Coping for Individuals Living with Chronic Illness.
abstract: Currently, 10% of Americans are living with a chronic illness. One coping mechanism for individuals living with chronic illness is religion and/or spiritual (R/S). To better explicate the relationship among R/S and psychological well-being, we conceptualize R/S as an interpersonal process involving conversations that may facilitate positive reappraisals. We use a mixed-method approach from data collected from 106 participants, involving a content analysis of R/S conversations and test Burleson and Goldsmith's (Handbook of communication and emotion: research, theory, applications, and contexts, Academic Press, San Diego, pp 245-280, 1998) appraisal-based comforting model. Partial support for the model was found. In addition, the majority of R/S conversations were considered positive, helpful, and supportive. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Johnston Hall, Room 210, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, USA, becker62@uwm.edu.
authors.forename: Katherine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Rafferty
authors.forename: Ashley K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Billig
authors.forename: Katie E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Mosack
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D029181:Spirituality; D055815:Young Adult