Religiousness, Coping Styles, and Situational Optimism Among Nursing Home Residents

Abstract

This study explored relationships between optimism and ways of coping among residents (n = 1347) in the United States. Realistic optimists used approach coping and drew strength from faith. Unrealistic optimists were more likely to be African American. Unrealistic pessimists used avoidance coping, had greater activities of daily living (ADL) impairment, and more medical conditions. Nursing home religious activities were associated with a lower probability of unrealistic pessimism. Prior church attendance interacted with ADL impairment to increase the probability of unrealistic pessimism. Implications of loss of church connection, maintaining faith, resilience among African Americans, and participating in religious activities in the nursing home are discussed.

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