Qualitative Study of Relationship With God in Old Age

Objectives The study was performed to investigate the quality of the relationship of the elderly with God. The relationship of humans with God is an ancient one and determines human relationships with self, one another, and the universe. Those who have a positive relationship with God, have less anxiety and mental disorders in the face of difficulties.
Methods & Materials We used Grounded Theory to answer the research questions. In this regard, an open-ended questionnaire was designed and administered by means of interview. The study sampling was theoretical and continued to reach the data saturation. The total sample consisted of 18 elderly people aged between 60 and 81 y ears.
Results The findings revealed 105 concepts, 24 subcategories, and 5 main categories. The categories were analyzed in a paradigm: causal condition; phenomena-content (context); mediator condition; strategy of action/reaction; and consequences. Finally, a model of connection of categories was presented.
Conclusion The final model suggests a wide variation in relation to the quality and quantity of relationship with God. The role of the emotional, cognitive, and social factors in the emergence of this behavior (relationship with God) was clear and in accordance with the mediator conditions and the perceived consequences of the relationship.