The Effect of Religiosity on the Coping Ability of Post-Combat Service Members

Abstract

There is a current gap in literature regarding individual religiosity in the military. Research in this area has the potential to help reduce the suicide rate among veterans and provide a more efficient approach to treatment. This study looks at levels of religiosity before and after combat and how this may affect coping practices in service members. The Duke University Religion Index (DUREL) was utilized to measure religiosity levels before and after combat. The Brief Religious Coping Survey (RCOPE) identified positive and negative religious coping practices after combat. Once the survey was completed, an interview was conducted to provide more elaboration on the participants’ answers. Implications for the study are limited at the time but may provide insight into the beginning of a trend.