The impact of spiritual wellbeing and coping strategies on patients with generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the spiritual wellbeing and coping strategies of participants with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This study included 40 participants with GAD, all meeting the diagnostic criteria of the DSM IV-TR. The Spiritual Wellness Inventory and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire were used as measuring tools. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, linear and stepwise regression, and Sobel z-test of mediation analysis. The stepwise regression analysis showed that out of 13 dimensions of spiritual wellness, only three dimensions (i.e., concept of hereafter, mystery, and meaning) significantly predicted GAD symptoms in negative direction. The mediational analysis showed that active practical and religious coping strategies did not mediate between the relationship of spiritual wellness and symptoms of GAD.