Problem:
Using the following problem statement, explain to your audience what the "key" ideas, concepts, variables, or relationships of interest are in each. Provide evidence to explain why it is either quantitatively or more qualitatively-focused:
The problem addressed by this study was the need to explore the meaning older adults ascribe to changes in their religion over their lifetime and how those changes impact their coping ability (Hilton & Child, 2014; Shaw et al., 2016). Research has shown a positive relationship between religion and/or spirituality and aspects of positive aging including coping (Rodriquez-Galan & Galcon, 2018), adjustment (vn Humboldt & Leal, 2017) and life satisfaction (Roh et al., 2015). Allport (Allport, 1950; Allport & Ross, 1967) developed the theory of religious orientation, proposing religion is either intrinsic (I) or extrinsic (E). Individuals with E religion use their religion as a means to an end whereas those with I religion perceive their religion as vital to their lives. Subsequent researchers explored religious orientation with older adults (Foong et al., 2018; Hilton & Child, 2014) and found a positive relationship between age and I religion, and a negative relationship between E religion and well-being (Hilton & Child, 2014). Foong et al. (2018) found I religion mediated the relationship between depression and cognitive difficulties in older adults.
In research on religion and spirituality, it is important to determine how the participants conceptualize the terms as research suggests older adults might not make the same distinctions between the terms as do younger cohorts (Manning, 2012; Williams et al., 2015). Although the literature is replete with studies on older adults and religion (see Branco & Crane, 2014; Mukherjee, 2016; Tomas et al., 2016; Zhang, 2017), there is a shortage of qualitative studies asking these individuals for their own perspectives (Malone & Dadswell, 2018). It is important to explore whether and how older adults perceive themselves as having internalized or externalized their religion as they have aged and how those changes have influenced their ability to cope with the losses and challenges of aging. In addition, to study spirituality or religion effectively, it is necessary to determine how the participants interpret the two terms (Manning, 2012; Williams et al., 2015). Need Assignment Help?