The relationship between spirituality and resilience has been enquired into by academic researchers across different disciplines, especially around people experiencing death (Greef et al. 2008, 293), violent trauma (Connor et al. 2003, 491), war (Fernando et al. 2011, 55), austerity (Sharma and Hopkins 2013, 4) and chronic disease (Rodríguez et al. 2011, 26). Some of these studies have shown that spirituality provides people with meaning in life, helps them to make sense of suffering, to experience what Echard calls a a ‘realistic hope’ and peace (as cited in Vanistendael 2007, 127), to find a sense of support and protection and to cope with the stressors and uncertainties associated with difficulties (Tanyi 2002, 503). However, further research is needed with different groups and within more diverse sociocultural and religious contexts in order to validate and generalise these existing conclusions about the positive contribution of spirituality to resilience and well-being (Rodríguez et al. 2011, 26).

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