Higher Levels Of Spirituality Research Articles

Empirical Correlates of Spirituality of the Future Teachers

Spiritual development of the future teachers is inherently ascension to the ideals of goodness and truth. The purpose of the article was the theoretical reasoning and empirical research of personal spirituality determination of future teachers. The basic of empirical tools for the given research were the structure of intelligence test (TSI) R. Amthauer, a test of verbal creativity by Guilford, S.Mednik, 16-PF personality questionnaire R.Kettella, reflexivity questionnaire by A.V. Karpov. 132 future teachers Vinnitsa State Pedagogical University took part in the research. The high level of spirituality was recorded in the majority of participators (67.9%). Their moral precepts and principles depending on the situation mainly because of their wishes. However concern the fact that 22,1% of the researchers manifestations of “good” are likely situational than sustainable character. In our opinion, the results of the correlation analysis between the scales of “good” and evil” are interesting. It was shown that between definite concepts exist positive correlation (r = 0,667; P

Family relations, peer influence, spirituality and drug use among students in one university in Kingston, Jamaica

This study seeks to illuminate the relationship between family relations, peer influence, spirituality and drug use among students in one university in Kingston, Jamaica. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect quantitative data from 335 undergraduate university students, using self-report questionnaires. The sample consisted of 335 students (69 % male and 31% female) between the ages 18-24 years. 77.6 % of the sample reported drug use within the past year. A significant positive correlation was identified between past year cannabis use and having dysfunctional and stressful family relationships (p<.05); and negative correlations between past year alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use and positive peer influence (p<.05) as well as higher levels of spirituality (p<.01). A connected family relationship was a protective factor against cannabis use, while positive peer influence and high levels of spirituality are protective factors against alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use among the students who participated in this study.

Spirituality, gender, and drug use among students from one University in Barbados

The research aimed to clarify the relationships between spirituality, gender, and drug use among undergraduate students of one university in Barbados. A quota sample of 250 students was required from the Faculty of Social Sciences as the study was part of a larger multi-centric study involving students from the Faculty of Social Sciences from seven other participating countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Significant negative relationships were found between a student's level of spirituality and their licit and illicit drug use over the past 12 and three months. Males and females also differed significantly in terms of illicit drug use (past 12 and three months). However no gender differences were found as it related to licit drug use. Moreover, females possessed significantly higher levels of spirituality than their male counterparts. Further qualitative research should be conducted among this age group within the Barbadian context to better explain these findings.

Raising the Achievements of Schoolchildren in Mountain Regions by Means of Using Local History/Lore Materials

The article is devoted to the effectiveness of the use of local lore material in mountainousterrain schools to improve student achievement in the development of their cognitive interest. Inparticular, the analysis of the role of the school in the development of Ukrainian Carpathianmountain areas of education and younger generation training. Attention is drawn to the fact thatduring the organization of the educational process in schools of mountainous terrain ,we are totake into consideration rather high level of spirituality of Highlanders, their love for their land ,traditions and customs. Therefore, during the lessons of social and humanitarian course the teacheris to use local history material that will provide development of students cognitive interest. Theauthors in the experimental studies process demonstrated that the organization of learning thehistory of Ukraine in the 5th grade should be directed to the development of cognitive interest inhistory. So, the children in the 5th grade will not have to study the whole history. They are to beprepared to gradually assimilate to it according to the curriculum. A critical factor in successfullearning is to form cognitive interest. To make the learning process easier and more interesting theteacher must offer his/her students the curriculum material which they would not only feel, butalso easily understand. The students must realize that it's not about teaching something/someoneunknown, but about themselves, their parents, grandparents, great grandparents, family, region,country. Therefore, the initial training should dominate local history material, allowing thedevelopment of cognitive interest in history, lay the foundations of historical knowledge andprovide increasing levels of students’ achievements. This is ensured by a parallel study of thehistory of the native land. The authors defined teaching and learning requirements for local lorematerial to be used in the process of study and presented their own examples .

Locus of Control, Neuroticism, and Spirituality as Predictors of Waste-Prevention Behaviors

Abstract Waste production is an important issue in both developed and developing countries; consequently, it is imperative to improve our knowledge about waste-prevention behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between locus of control, neuroticism, spirituality, and waste-prevention behaviors. Students (226 females and 214 males, from 17 to 46 years of age, M±SD=25.53±5.37) from Universiti Putra Malaysia were recruited for this study, and they completed self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modeling estimated that university students with internal personal control, higher levels of spirituality, and higher levels of neuroticism were more likely to report a positive attitude toward waste-prevention behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of personality traits in waste-prevention behaviors. Subsequently, the results demonstrated that waste-prevention behaviors can help prevent wasting economic efficiency and are vital to prevent nonrenewable resource depletion and ...

Perceptions of Healthy Aging among African-American and Ethiopian Elders

This study explores healthy aging and health promotion preferences, practices and perceptions of African-American and Ethiopian older adults. Participants completed a questionnaire linked to three levels relevant to an ecological framework: individual, interpersonal and community or environmental. Results indicate that the ecological environments of African-Americans and Ethiopian senior were quite different. African-American elders’ conception of healthy aging related to preserving their independence while Ethiopian elders indicated a holistic view that included close ties with extended family members. Both groups reported high levels of spirituality and belief in God. Other similarities and differences are discussed. This study points to the importance of industrialized and developing countries understanding the needs and perfections of elders as they shape flexible and responsive policy and programs for global health promotion.

An Exploration of the Relationship Between Spirituality and State and Trait Anger Among Medical Students.

There is a dearth of studies exploring spiritual attitudes of medical students from developing countries and its relationship to anger. This study was conducted to assess spiritual attitudes and their relationship with anger in a set of medical students in southern India. In this cross-sectional observational study, medical students who were undergoing clinical rotations were offered participation. Selected demographic data were obtained. The participants were rated using the Spiritual Attitudes Inventory [SAI, which comprises of Duke Religiosity Index, Existential Well-Being Scale (EWBS), Negative Religious Coping and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale] and State and Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2. Out of 98 students approached, 82 participated (response rate 83.6%). The mean age of sample was 20.7 years (±0.9 years) with a slight preponderance of females (54.9%). SAI scores correlated well significantly with subscale scores. Gender had no difference on the SAI or subscale score. Differences were found between self-reported religion and EWBS scores (Kruskal-Wallis χ(2) = 8.891, p = 0.012). Total SAI score had a significant negative correlation with state anger, trait anger and anger expression. High levels of spirituality may be correlated with lower levels of state anger, trait anger and anger expression in medical students.

Policing and spirituality: their impact on brain integration and consciousness

This paper reports findings from two studies that explore the role of a spiritual framework in buffering toxic experiences police officers encounter in the course of their duty. The first study was an interview of 33 police officers who were active in their law enforcement career. The officers responded to eight core questions about their police work, spiritual history, and spiritual beliefs. Three themes emerged from the content analysis. The second study was a quantitative investigation of psychological performance using Electroencephalography measures. These officers, who were identified with high levels of spirituality in the interview study, had low levels of perceived stress, high levels on the Transcendence dimension, fast executive processing, and high levels of brain integration. These studies suggest that levels of spirituality are grounded in mental and brain functioning, and so could be systematically cultured to help officers deal effectively with the toxic nature of police work.

Spirituality and the Successful Aging of Older Latinos

Using face‐to‐face interviews and a self‐report questionnaire, the authors investigated the contributions of spirituality and religiosity to the well‐being and levels of depression of 60 Latino adults ages 50 to 84 after controlling for age, health, education, and economic strain. Religiosity and spirituality predicted well‐being; however, increases in well‐being were associated with lower levels of externalizing religiosity and higher levels of spirituality. Economic strain overshadowed all other variables in predicting depression. Thus, 2 factors predicted the psychological health of Latino elders: Economic strain predicted depression, and spiritual health predicted well‐being. Several suggestions for implementing the findings are presented.

Exploring the Intersectionality of Bisexual, Religious/Spiritual, and Political Identities From a Feminist Perspective

Although there is a growing body of work that examines the religious/spiritual lives of bisexuals, additional research that further explores the intersectionality of these distinct identities is needed. Motivated by the feminist notions that the personal is political and individuals are experts of their own experiences, the aim of this study is to better understand intersecting identities experienced by bisexuals. Data from the Northern California Health Study was used to examine the intersection of bisexual, religious/spiritual, and political identities. Results suggest that higher lesbian, gay, and bisexual self-esteem scores and openness about sexual orientation correlate with higher levels of spirituality. Further, attraction to same-sex partners was associated with perceiving sexual orientation as a choice, identifying as bisexual at a younger age, an increased likeliness to come out, being less likely to view religion as socially important, and a higher belief statement score. The authors discuss the implications of these results.

Impact of College Environments on the Spiritual Development of African American Students

This study focused on the impact of college environments on the spiritual development of African American students. Using the Armstrong Measure of Spirituality (AMOS) survey administered to 125 African American college students, the study sought to ascertain whether or not there were differences in spirituality as reported by African American students attending a historically Black college and African American students attending a predominantly White institution. Gender differences and differences based on students' classifications were also examined. The results revealed that African Americans attending a predominantly White institution reported higher levels of spirituality than African Americans attending a historically Black college. The results also showed significant differences among the students on 2 of the AMOS subscales—spiritual beliefs and spiritual actions—in relation to gender and grade classification. Specifically, African American males attending the historically Black college scored significantly lower on the spiritual beliefs variable than the entire sample of females and males attending the predominantly White institution. Additionally, African American males in lower divisions scored significantly less on spiritual beliefs than African American males in upper divisions and females. Plausible explanations for these differences include a greater need among African Americans attending predominantly White institutions (a minority status) to seek and rely on spirituality for support and as a coping mechanism, and the fact that spirituality is a developmental construct which may be a reason that helps to explain the differences between African American males in lower and upper divisions.

Exploring Spirituality in Family Caregivers of Patients With Primary Malignant Brain Tumors Across the Disease Trajectory

To determine whether the perceived level of spirituality in family caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumors (PMBTs) changes across the disease trajectory. Ongoing descriptive, longitudinal study. Southwestern Pennsylvania. 50 family caregivers of patients with PMBT. Caregivers and care recipients were recruited at time of diagnosis. Participants were interviewed at two subsequent time points, four and eight months following diagnosis. Care recipients' symptoms, neuropsychologic status, and physical function, as well as caregiver social support. Results showed no significant difference in spirituality scores reported at baseline and eight months (p = 0.8), suggesting that spirituality may be a stable trait across the disease trajectory. Spirituality remains relatively stable along the course of the disease trajectory. Reports of caregiver depressive symptoms and anxiety were lower when paired with higher reports of spirituality. Clinicians can better identify caregivers at risk for negative outcomes by identifying those who report lower levels of spirituality. Future interventions should focus on the development and implementation of interventions that provide protective buffers such as increased social support. Spirituality is a relatively stable trait. High levels of spirituality can serve as a protective buffer from negative mental health outcomes. Caregivers with low levels of spirituality may be at risk for greater levels of burden, anxiety, and stress.

Sexual Behaviors and Attitudes, Quality of Life, and Drug Use: A Comparison Between Bisexual and Heterosexual Pornography Actresses

This study compared the self-reports of 118 bisexual and 58 heterosexual pornography actresses on sexual behaviors and attitudes, quality of life, and alcohol and drug use. Compared with their heterosexual peers, bisexual porn actresses had sex at an earlier age, had more sexual partners, liked sex more, reported more positive feelings and higher levels of spirituality, and were more likely to have used at least three different types of drugs in their lifetime. These findings show that within a population of women in the adult entertainment industry, bisexual actresses have comparable or better levels of well-being compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

Soft Furnishing Material in Interior Space

In the case of the improving economic, people no longer pursue luxury and the copies of other homes in house decoration, but have a higher spiritual level requirements. Interior soft decoration has become an unavoidable mean of decoration in modern house decoration and the important direction of interior decoration. The interior soft decoration art is a dynamic art. Its unity can bring vitality to space and build an ideal interior environment that is full of culture taste and comfort. Interior soft decoration will be the future development of housing decoration industry and the popular trend.

Transcendent Sacrifice and Spirituality: Cambodian Grandparents raising Orphaned Grandchildren

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the lives of 10 grandparents raising orphaned grandchildren in Cambodia. Using family exchange theory, this study shows that families struggle to engage in instrumental exchange and continue to provide affective exchanges but greatly sacrifice their own spiritual growth in symbolic exchanges. Struggles to provide for everyday existence limits participation in Buddhist merit building practices that are associated with movement into a higher spiritual level. Grandparents willingly accept the obligation to provide care to orphaned grandchildren, yet this transcendent sacrifice constrains grandparents' likelihood of better existences in their next lives.

Correlates of Quality of Life Among African American and White Cancer Survivors

African Americans continue to suffer disproportionately from cancer morbidity and mortality, with emerging evidence suggesting potential quality of life (QOL) disparities in the survivorship period. The objective of the study was to assess sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with physical and mental health QOL (PHQOL and MHQOL) among African American and white cancer survivors. Patients were recruited from tumor registries. Telephone interviews were conducted with 248 African American and 244 white respondents with a history of breast, prostate, or colorectal cancers. Multivariate regression models were used to assess what factors were associated with PHQOL and MHQOL. Key racial differences in adjusted analyses included poorer MHQOL scores among African Americans compared with white survivors. Furthermore, race moderated the relationship between perceived social support and MHQOL, where higher social support levels were associated with increased MHQOL among African Americans. Other correlates of QOL impacted racial groups similarly. For example, factors associated with PHQOL scores included being unemployed, being uninsured, the presence of medical comorbidities, a longer time since diagnosis, and higher levels of cancer-related stress appraisals. Factors associated with MHQOL scores included being unemployed, higher levels of daily stress, higher levels of stress associated with the diagnosis, higher levels of education, higher levels of perceived social support, and higher levels of spirituality. Interventions aimed at increasing social support may have important implications for improving QOL outcomes among African Americans. Measuring and understanding factors associated with QOL have important implications for patient adjustment and clinical decision making.

Spirituality and Solidarity among De La Salle Schools in Region IV: Basis for Enhancing a Culture of Faith

Spirituality and Solidarity among De La Salle Schools in Region IV were evaluated and used as basis for development of a management program for enhancement of culture of faith in three schools. The study evaluated the extent of each indicators manifest among groups of respondents and how these can be nurtured in schools’ trilogy of functions and what management program may be developed. Descriptive method of research was used in the study, employing research triangulation as methods in gathering data. The study revealed that the three Lasalian Schools were governed by the Gospel’s values, the charism of its founder and the traditions of the Religio, Mores, et Cultura and Crescit Gratia Virtuteque . The respondents had high level of spirituality and with moderate level of solidarity. The study concludes that the spirituality and solidarity may be nurtured through the implementation of the trilogy of functions. This involves the pursuance of instructional goals and preparation of an extensive research and extension agenda integrated with the principles of the Founder and inspired with gospel values. Thus, the proposed management program is conceptualized as a guide to the enhancement of the culture of faith which will serve as hallmarks for spirituality and solidarity development. Keywords - spirituality, solidarity, culture of faith, Religio, Mores, Cultura and Crescit Gratia Virtuteque

Linking Religion and Spirituality with Psychological Well-being: Examining Self-actualisation, Meaning in Life, and Personal Growth Initiative

Research largely shows that religion and spirituality have a positive correlation to psychological well-being. However, there has been a great deal of confusion and debate over their operational definitions. This study attempted to delineate the two constructs and categorise participants into different groups based on measured levels of religious involvement and spirituality. The groups were then scored against specific measures of well-being. A total of 205 participants from a wide range of religious affiliations and faith groups were recruited from various religious institutions and spiritual meetings. They were assigned to one of four groups with the following characteristics: (1) a high level of religious involvement and spirituality, (2) a low level of religious involvement with a high level of spirituality, (3) a high level of religious involvement with a low level of spirituality, and (4) a low level of religious involvement and spirituality. Multiple comparisons were made between the groups on three measures of psychological well-being: levels of self-actualisation, meaning in life, and personal growth initiative. As predicted, it was discovered that, aside from a few exceptions, groups (1) and (2) obtained higher scores on all three measures. As such, these results confirm the importance of spirituality on psychological well-being, regardless of whether it is experienced through religious participation.

Breast cancer survivors’ motivation to perform preventive health behaviors: An application of the protection motivation theory.

251 Background: Little is known about what motivates breast cancer survivors to engage in preventive health behaviors to prevent recurrence of breast cancer. The primary objective was to assess how survivors’ fear of recurrence, spirituality, and perceptions of risk and coping appraisal were associated with their motivation to perform healthy lifestyle and cancer screening behaviors. Methods: A reliable and valid questionnaire was developed. An a priori power analysis indicated that a minimum of 386 completed surveys were needed for adequate statistical power. Based on an estimated 50% return rate, the investigators randomly selected a state-wide sample of 800 survivors from Ohio. A 3-wave mailing was used to increase response rate. Results: 559 surveys were completed (72%). Respondents with higher perceived risks of recurrence were more motivated to perform healthy lifestyle behaviors than those with lower perceived risks (t=2.51, df=521, p=.039). Most (>70%) agreed that healthy lifestyle behaviors such as regular exercise reduce one’s risk of recurrence. Only 43% exercised regularly. Only 54% reported their doctor discussed how to reduce the risk of recurrence. Survivors who were satisfied with their physician’s communication exercised more regularly than those who were not satisfied (chi-square =13.09, p=.016, df=5). Cancer survivors with a high level of motivation and high level of behavioral intentions were more likely to be engaging in preventive health and cancer screening behaviors. Higher levels of spirituality were positively correlated with a higher level of motivation to engage in preventive health behaviors (r=.345, n=468, p<0.001). Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence that the Protection-Motivation Theory (PMT) helps to explain certain factors that impact survivors’ motivation and behavioral intentions to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors and follow up screening tests. When developing programs for breast cancer survivors, health professionals should consider incorporating spirituality, fear of recurrence, and the constructs of the PMT.

Spirituality and quality of life in older people with chronic illness in Thailand

AimSpirituality has been identified as an important strategy for coping with chronic illness and as a resource to promote quality of life (QOL). This pilot study aimed to determine existing correlations between spirituality and participant-based domains of the QOL of the chronically ill elderly.MethodsParticipants (n = 100) aged 60+ who had at least one chronic illness were recruited from members of an Elderly Club in Thailand. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the JAREL Spiritual Well-Being instrument, and the QOL Index-Generic Version. Demographic and JAREL questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics. Ferrans and Powers' scoring syntax was utilized in the analysis of QOL questionnaires. The correlation between spirituality and the QOL domains was tested using the Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsAll participants reported a high level of spirituality (M = 4.47, SD = 0.45), especially in the domain of life satisfaction/self-actualization (M = 5.14, SD = 0.61). The 70+ group rated their life satisfaction significantly higher than did those aged <70 years (P < 0.05). Participants reported a relatively high QOL and were satisfied with areas of life important to them (M = 22.80, SD = 3.76), especially in the family domain (M = 24.60, SD = 5.11).DiscussionThis outcome suggests that spirituality is associated with QOL, which is consistent with similar work undertaken in other countries.ConclusionProviding spiritual care for older people with chronic illnesses is important and exploring the spiritual needs of older people should continue for further study.