Research Information System
Journal of Religion and Health, vol.1, no.1, pp.1-19, 2023 (SSCI)
Spirituality is one aspect to consider given the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the
number of in-depth qualitative studies on spirituality-related issues and experiences
is limited. The present study investigated the spiritual problems and experiences
of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out with 342
Muslim students undertaking a distance education program at a state university
in Turkey. The study was carried out using the non-probability sampling method.
The data was collected using Qualtrics through a questionnaire consisting of openended
questions related to spirituality during COVID-19. The data was analyzed
using MAXQDA. The findings consisted of three categories, including spirituality
during the pandemic, attitudes and behaviors related to the pandemic with a focus
on spirituality, and feelings and thoughts about spirituality during the pandemic.
There were fourteen subcategories, including resilience, meaning of life, coping
mechanisms, acceptance, doubts, cleanliness, solidarity, risky behaviors, digitalization,
religious rituals, inner peace, death, emotions, and hope. To meet the spiritual
needs of students, it can be recommended to provide a suitable place for worship,
to maintain the relations of individuals with religious centers and to direct them to
spiritual counseling services.