A comparative study of the coping mechanisms utilised by atheists and theists in Gauteng, Sunnyside

Abstract

Research suggests that theists' coping mechanisms are an unnecessary burden and that people ought to live perfectly well and even better without using them, because frequently they conflict with real-life circumstances. Conversely, research suggests that atheists’ coping mechanisms have a significant impact on their success. This study examined the impact of coping mechanisms commonly utilised by atheists compared to those utilised by theists, particularly in their life endeavours. In this context, coping mechanisms refer to the methods used to deal with life's stresses. This study serves as a foundation for understanding the positive coping mechanism approach, because it is through the proper use of coping mechanisms that we may live a stress-free life. As a result, the study intended to discover the coping mechanisms of atheists and theists. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews with eight participants: four theists and four atheists. This study used a qualitative paradigm guided by phenomenology. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants, and the data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. In conclusion, adopting an atheistic worldview to guide major life decisions such as having children, purchasing a home, or entering marriage offers a superior alternative to a theistic perspective.