The Role of Spiritual Security in the Spiritual Fitness of Military Personnel in Dealing With Religious-Spiritual Struggles: A Comparative Study of Two Theories; [نقش امنیت معنوی در آمادگي معنوی نظامیان در مواجهه با کشمکش های مذهبي- معنوی: بررسي تطبیقي دو نظری ه] Publisher



Kalal AS ; Asadzandi M
Source: Journal of Military Medicine Published:2025

Abstract

Background and Aim: Spiritual security, as a pillar of Total Force Fitness (TFF), plays a vital role in the psychological-spiritual health of military personnel. Exposure to moral injuries, religious conflicts, and existential crises causes soldiers to experience Religious/Spiritual Struggles (RSS) and health disorders. This study aims to investigate the role of spiritual security in enhancing spiritual combat readiness through a comparative analysis of the two theories of Sound Heart and Religious Coping in addressing RSS. Methods: The study was conducted with a comparative-qualitative approach and Eisenhardt's theoretical framework. The military personnel were selected as the comparative units, RSS was the subject of investigation, and spiritual security served as the comparative criterion. Data were collected through a systematic review and analyzed using the Elo and Kyngas content analysis framework. The validity of the findings was ensured through theoretical validity, data triangulation, collaborative review, meticulous documentation, and rich data description. Results: The Sound Heart theory views spiritual responses to life events as influenced by spiritual personality. It considers social and individual health, as social and individual determinants of health, to be effective in the formation of spiritual personality and spiritual health by having a sound heart. The theory considers spiritual security resulting from refuge in God as a protective factor against RSS and a guarantee of mental health. In contrast, the Religious Coping theory emphasizes individual therapeutic interventions in response to stressful events. It reduces RSS by evaluating the sacred, integrating spirituality into treatment, and reconstructing spiritual paths. Both theories emphasize rebuilding a positive image of God and strengthening a secure attachment to God. Conclusion: Integrating these two approaches can pave the way for designing effective interventions in the field of military spiritual health, positioning spiritual security as a foundational link between spiritual personality and mental health. © 2025 Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.