A qualitative research on god conception and prayer in older adults: The case of Mardin

The research aims to understand how individuals over the age of 65 have a conception of God and perception of prayer, and the effect of this conception and perception of prayer on their psychological well-being. In the study, the problems reflected on the perception of God and prayer of individuals in old age were examined. The study consists of two main parts. In the first part, a literature review on the concepts of old age, conception of God and prayer perception was conducted and the information obtained was processed. In the second part, the data obtained as a result of interviews conducted with thirty participants over 65 years of age (10 men and 10 women) with semi-structured interview method in the sample of Mardin province were analyzed, discussed and interpreted. Qualitative research was preferred in the study and the data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Thematic and descriptive analysis were used to analyze the data. At the end of the study, various headings were framed while defining the conception of God and prayer perception of individuals over the age of 65 in the sample of Mardin province. In the study, it was revealed that the perception of God and prayer of individuals over the age of 65 had a good effect on their psychological well-being and coping with problems. Keywords: Prayer Perception, God Conception, Prayer Behaviour, Elderly, Spiritual Satisfaction, Peace.