Religious Coping Strategies of Mothers Who Lost Their Children to Cancer in Türkiye: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Perceptions of death can greatly impact the ability to cope with grief, making it either easier or unbearable. Research on the importance of religion and spirituality in the field of oncology, particularly among parents who have lost a child to cancer, is still in its emerging stage. This study aimed to describe the religious coping strategies of Muslim mothers who lost their children to cancer. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 mothers and analyzed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings show that resignation to the 'Will of God', being more religious, and belief in life after death are common coping strategies used by mothers who are grieving the loss of their child. Mothers in pediatric oncology place great importance on religious coping strategies to manage their grief.