Exploring Fear Based Helping Behavior: A Qualitative Study on Divine Retribution Altruism Among Middle Age Women

The Spiritual environment is highly influenced by fear of divine punishment that shapes the behavior of helping. The qualitative research involved the exploration of the fear based helping behavior through the context of Divine retribution altruism in middle age women. With semi-structured interview method, twelve participants were able to narrate their experiences, motivations, emotions, and coping mechanisms with regard to this helping behavior. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze data, which allowed obtaining a detailed idea about individual experiences. There were five superordinate themes arises, including fear-motivation, emotional, intention reflection, coping strategy and social cultural factors. The results provided that the helping behavior is highly guided by fear of Divine punishment and expectation of spiritual reward, and that the participants have emotional tension, consisting of satisfaction, anxiety, and guilt. Some of the coping mechanisms employed by the participants to deal with these emotions include prayer, reflection, and rationalization. The research indicates that there is a great need of programs and guidance that can help in sustaining psychological wellbeing and encouraging the spiritually and ethically motivated prosocial behavior.