Media religiosity as a strategy for resilience and overcoming crisis

Abstract

The modern world is rapidly changing due to digitalisation and informatisation. Such transformations were forced through the COVID-19 pandemic and affected all spheres of life, including religion. Religion has increased its online presence, and the phenomenon of media religiosity has spread, which determines the relevance of this study. Considering the originality of the concept, the purpose of the study is to provide an empirical analysis of the relationship between media religiosity and personal coping strategies in the context of a crisis associated with pandemic restrictions. To achieve this purpose, the BASIC Ph psychological flexibility test and the questionnaire by N.S. Kostruba on the media religiosity of the individual were used. A theoretical overview and empirical study (online survey) of the possibilities of using media religiosity as a coping strategy for overcoming crisis states in personality are conducted. Empirical evidence revealed that media religious activity is associated with the psychological overcoming of difficult life circumstances and consists in relying on faith and values. The behaviour of people prone to media religiosity in stressful situations is determined by the ability to believe (in oneself, in their own strength, in God, in higher forces, in other people, etc.), to be guided by social support (or appeals for support to the family, relatives, professional circle, or providing assistance to others). It is proved that media religiosity retains a positive psychotherapeutic effect on the life of the individual in conditions of uncertainty and stress. It is also confirmed that even with the mediation of media technologies, religious practices perform the functions of social and emotional support, and provide psychological stability through the search for new meanings in events. The results obtained can become the basis for developing a model of psychological support for the population based on media religious practices and in psychotherapy (as homework or in online counselling).