Spiritual Support and Psychological Well-Being among the Elderly Nuns in Mbarara Archdiocese
Rosette Kyogabirwe, Kiyinyi Pio Frank and Jane Frank Nalubega
Nkumba University, Uganda
rosetteky@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between spiritual support and psychological well-being among elderly Catholic nuns in the Mbarara Archdiocese, Uganda. As religious congregations experience a growing aging population, spiritual support remains an important resource for promoting well-being and healthy aging. The study employed a convergent mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 213 elderly Catholic nuns aged 60 years and above using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and document reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression, whereas qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Findings revealed high levels of spiritual support (M = 3.846, SD = 0.660) and psychological well-being (M = 3.710, SD = 0.558). Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between spiritual support and psychological well-being (r = .550, p < .001). Regression results further showed that spiritual support significantly predicted psychological well-being (B = 0.465, p < .001), accounting for 30.3% of the variance in psychological well-being (R² = .303). Qualitative findings revealed that prayer, pastoral care, retreats, spiritual guidance, and a strong relationship with God enhanced meaning, hope, emotional stability, and purpose in life. However, challenges remained in personalized spiritual mentoring, grief counseling, and psycho-spiritual support services. The study concludes that spiritual support significantly contributes to psychological well-being among elderly Catholic nuns and recommends strengthening pastoral care, spiritual accompaniment, and psycho-spiritual interventions to promote successful and dignified aging.
