Hope, the Foundation of Spiritual Health in Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical period in the life of human beings characterized by risk-taking behavior as one of its prominent features that affects the adolescent’s health. There is a direct relationship between spirituality and health-risk behaviors, indicating the need for promoting preventive interventions. Objectives: The present study aims to explain the concept of hope as a component of spiritual health from the perspective of adolescents. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the content analysis approach. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with high school students in Tehran (the capital city of Iran) who were selected through purposive sampling and with maximum diversity. Results: Analysis of the data led to the identification of three categories: “connection with the source of hope,” “belief in finding solutions through efforts,” and “having an optimistic view”; the categories together formed the common theme “hope, the foundation of inner peace.” Conclusions: Through effective interventions, health care providers are able to foster hope in adolescents and thus improve their spiritual heath.