Problems and coping mechanisms of Chinese religious sisters at midlife transition in Taiwan

Hsing-Chu Lee

Date of Publication

1988

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

Counseling and Educational Psychology

Thesis Adviser

Carol C. Porio

Defense Panel Chair

Imelda Villar

Defense Panel Member

Emilia Del Callar

Melissa Del Rosario

Abstract/Summary

This study is an attempt to identify the problems experienced by the Chinese religious in midlife, especially problems associated with the physiological, psychological, and spiritual aspects and the corresponding coping mechanisms they used. Research design was descriptive and narrative in nature. A survey questionnaire was used to gather data. The questionnaire was conducted among 100 Religious Sisters from various congregations in Taiwan. The results of the study indicated that the dominant physiological problems were the decline of physical strengths, biological dysfunctioning, and the fear of menopause. In psychological problems, the Sisters generally manifested low in self-esteem and self-concept, lack of life satisfaction in interpersonal relationship with religious authority and other members of the religious community, and discomfort in the ministry involved. They also experienced difficulties in personal and communal prayers, the observance of the vow of poverty, and dissatisfaction in depth of intimacy with God. In comparing the significant differences of the problems between the age groups of 35 to 45 and 46 to 55, the older group suffered more physical deterioration and biological dysfunctioning than the younger ones. There were no significant differences on psychological, and spiritual problems between the two age groups. However, the findings still showed the older group experienced more psychological turmoils in the areas of regret attitudes towards their parents, feeling bored and burnout in work, low in self-love, and encountering loneliness. The younger group showed more needs of intimacy with others. The older group showed more difficulties in concentrating on praying and feeling boredom in spiritual life. All the Sisters determine seeing a doctor, taking a rest, sharing with a good friend, consulting a spiritual director, and praying as the most effective coping mechanisms to deal with the midlife transition in this study.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TG01617

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

143 p., 28 cm.

Keywords

Monastic and religious life of women -- Taiwan

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