The role of religious beliefs in coping with psychological distress among Tanzanian women

In Tanzania, mental health care remains limited and highly stigmatised, particularly for women facing poverty, gender-based violence, and caregiving burdens. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, this study explores how religious beliefs shape coping with psychological distress among women in urban (Dar es Salaam) and rural (Morogoro) settings. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 25 purposively sampled religious women representing Christianity, Islam, and indigenous belief systems. Findings indicate that practices such as prayer, fasting, spiritual counselling, and community support provide emotional relief, meaning, and social connection. While these strategies foster resilience, exclusive reliance on religious coping may delay access to professional mental health care in cases of severe distress. Guided by Cognitive Appraisal Theory, the study demonstrates how religious beliefs shape women’s appraisal of stress and perceived coping resources. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive mental health services that integrate religious and clinical approaches.