Religia ca resursă în gestionarea situațiilor dificile de viață: o analiză calitativă a experiențelor personale [Articol]

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore the perceptions and meanings attributed to religion by the people of the Republic of Moldova, in the context of social and personal resilience during times of crisis. The study examines how religion is used as a coping mechanism or source of emotional support in individuals’ daily lives, as well as the associated religious practices. We used data obtained from a qualitative study conducted between 02-12 April 2024, by scientific researchers from the Institute of Legal, Political and Sociological Research of the Moldova State University. Individual interviews were carried out with a sample of 79 respondents. In particular, the responses to the question, ‘To what extent is the religion you practice a source of support and help in difficult and stressful situations in your life? What do you do?’ were analyzed thematically. The results show that religion plays an important and varied role in the lives of the participants, valued especially as a source of psychological support and meaning in the face of difficulties, often expressed through a flexible and context-dependent religiosity.