Spirituality's Role in Chronic Disease Self-Management: Sanctification of the Body in Families Dealing With Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Sanctifying the Body (imbuing the body and its care with spiritual significance) is associated with pro-healthy behaviors and may be associated with adherence in families with chronic diseases. Our objective was to determine this construct's relevance to cystic fibrosis (CF) families and test the reliability and validity of a shortened Sanctification measure. The “Sacred Qualities of the Body” and “Manifestation of God in the Body” scales were completed by parents (N = 92) and adolescents with CF (N = 32) in a CF Clinic or by mail. Internal consistency reliability and factor analysis were performed on the parent sample. Parents and adolescents endorsed the construct. Internal consistency and validity was shown for adults and factor analysis showed two factors. Adolescent interest in an electronic spirituality chatroom correlated with increased sanctification. Sanctification is a relevant, measurable construct representing an under-appreciated aspect of the web of values contributing to adherence and health and bears further examination.