Perceptions Of Spirituality Research Articles

Beyond the blade: Unveiling the nexus of spirituality and human dissection among medical and allied health students in Nigeria.

This study investigated how human dissection affects students' spiritual beliefs, and how their existing spiritual beliefs influence their perceptions of human dissection. This cross-sectional study assessed 760 medical students with human dissection experience using an online questionnaire developed from interviews and the Spirituality Orientation Inventory, including questions on dissection experience, spirituality, spiritual perceptions about dissection, and the impact of dissection on spirituality. Descriptive analysis and Chi-squared tests were used to determine proportions and relationships between variables, with statistical significance at p < 0.05. Most students believe in an afterlife (75.1%), the concept of the soul (92.5%), and the human body as a vessel for the soul (91.3%). About half disagree that human dissection is disrespectful, and faith influences life choices for the majority (95.2%). Human dissection experience lowered students' belief in spirits' interaction with the physical world by 5%, increased their respect for the body (76.2%), and increased their self-reflection on mortality (84.4%). Despite the lack of profound mystical experiences (82.5%) resulting from the students' dissection experience, there were significant gender differences in the few reported experiences (p = 0.008). Also, there was a significant increase in students' belief in the human spirit following human dissection (p = 0.019). Dissection experience prompts students to reconsider their beliefs and their views of the human body. Despite retaining beliefs in the afterlife and the soul, students' belief in spirits' interaction with the physical world decreases marginally post-dissection. This study also shows that human dissection is not associated with mystical experiences.

Imaginative Features of the Concepts of “kut/well-being” in the Kyrgyz and English Language Pictures of the World (based on the Works of Zhusup Balasagyn “kut alchu bilim” and William Shakespeare “Hamlet”)

The concepts of "kut" and "well-being" are important in the cultures and languages of the world. Kyrgyz and English languages have their own unique features and ways of expressing concepts. This work is devoted to the study of figurative features of the concepts of "kut" and "well-being" in Kyrgyz and English language cultures. The analysis and classification of figurative features of the concepts were carried out, and also the way this concept is related to the values and beliefs of cultural communities was investigated. The results of the study can be useful for understanding cultural differences and similarities in the perception of well-being and spirituality, as well as for the development of intercultural communication and mutual understanding.

Validation of Spanish Version of the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS-Sp) in Nursing Professionals.

To examine the reliability and construct validity of the Spanish adaptation of the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) within the nursing professionals' context. Observational and descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of N = 325 nursing professionals from various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics and community healthcare centres. Following translation and cultural adaption of the SSCRS, the scale underwent psychometric assessment of its construct validity through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency analysis was also performed using a McDonald's omega. The reporting in this investigation adhered to the STROBE checklist. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a two-factor structure, with one factor closely aligning with one religiosity dimension and the other factor combining the spirituality, spiritual care and personalised care dimensions. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis did not provide an adequate fit to the data for both the two-factor solution found in the EFA and the four-factor solution proposed by McSherry, Draper, and Kendrick (2002). Even though the four-factor solution showed a slightly better fit than the two-factor solution, neither model achieved a satisfactory fit. The lack of formal education and confusion between religion and spirituality among healthcare professionals could have influenced the responses and interpretation of the results. The findings showed that the SSCRS-Sp demonstrated good internal consistency, indicating that the items in the scale are reliably measuring the targeted constructs. Further refinement and validation of the scale are needed to establish a robust factor structure in the target population. The SSCRS-Sp can be used to assess the nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care. The availability of this tool represents a significant step towards greater integration of the spiritual dimension of care within a holistic nursing care framework in Spanish-speaking countries. Nursing professionals responded to the research scale.

Transcending Boundaries of Rationality and Spirituality: Ibn ‘Arabi’s Holistic Vision in Islamic Legal Interpretation

The higher objectives of the Sharia provide a legal framework within Islamic law to guide independent reasoning in interpreting legal issues based on rational principles. However, knowledge can also be obtained through unveiling. Ibn ‘Arabi argued that intellectual activities without spiritual experience are like spiritual perceptions without intellectual support. His analysis involved a systematic and rigorous approach to understanding and interpreting Islamic law through philosophical, linguistic, and historical contextualization. Ibn ‘Arabi relied on inner knowledge when examining legal issues and performed a type of spiritual ijtihād, but he did not disregard the role of traditional scholarship in Islamic jurisprudence. This balanced approach highlights the integration of rational and spiritual dimensions in legal reasoning, emphasizing the importance of both intellectual and spiritual insights in the interpretation of Islamic law. By combining these elements, Ibn ‘Arabi’s methodology offers a comprehensive understanding of legal issues, ensuring that interpretations are both deeply rooted in traditional scholarship and enriched by personal spiritual experiences. This dual approach underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Islamic jurisprudence, where rational analysis and spiritual insight work together to achieve a holistic understanding of the law.

Moral sensitivity, spiritual care perception, and compassion fatigue of nurses caring for earthquake victims.

Two major earthquakes occurred within 10hours in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, which resulted in thousands of deaths and injured people within Turkey. To determine the relationship between moral sensitivity, spiritual care perception, and compassion fatigue among nurses caring for earthquake victims. The study population consisted of 483 nurses working in public, private, and university hospitals in earthquake-affected areas in Turkey. The sociodemographic characteristics form, moral sensitivity questionnaire, spirituality and spiritual care rating scale, and compassion fatigue short scale were used for data collection. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between nurses' moral sensitivity and compassion fatigue; in other words, as compassion fatigue increases, nurses' moral sensitivity decreases. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between nurses' perception of spiritual care and their compassion fatigue; in other words, as compassion fatigue increases, nurses' perception of spirituality and spiritual care decreases. This study provides valuable insights into moral sensitivity, perceptions of spiritual care, and compassion fatigue among nurses caring for earthquake victims. Minimizing nurses' compassion fatigue improves quality patient care, increases patient and employee satisfaction, and maintains commitment to the profession. To achieve this goal, it is essential to offer in-service training, conferences, or seminar programs to nurses focused on fostering a sense of compassion. Nurses should be provided with environments that will improve their self-care, and institutional policies and strategies should be developed to cope effectively with this situation.

Correlation of nurses' perception of spirituality and spiritual care with spiritual care practices in Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey.

Spiritual care is essential to nursing practice, contributing to holistic patient care. However, the relationship between nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care with their engagement in spiritual care practices remains underexplored, particularly in Indonesia. Understanding this relationship is crucial for enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. This study aimed to examine the correlation between nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care with their spiritual care practices in Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving a total of 300 nurses working in healthcare facilities across Indonesia. Data were collected via an online survey conducted from March to May 2024, using validated questionnaires: the Indonesian adaptation of the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) and the Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutic Scale (NSCTS). Spearman Rank Correlation was used to assess the relationship between nurses' perceptions of spirituality and their engagement in spiritual care practices. The study found that nurses held a positive perception of spirituality, with a mean score of 3.85 (SD = 0.41) regarding statements related to spirituality and spiritual care. However, they reported providing spiritual care only occasionally, with an average frequency of 3-6 times over a 72 to 80-hour work period. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.235, p <0.001) of nurses' perception of spirituality and spiritual care with their engagement in spiritual care practices. The study highlights the need for targeted education and training to enhance nurses' competencies in spiritual care practices. Addressing spiritual needs is vital for holistic patient care, and improving nurses' perceptions and practices in this area can significantly benefit patient well-being.

Using Contemplative Practice for Pre-service Teacher Healing

There is a critical need to create a shift in curriculum that is framed around the whole person rather than isolating a pre-service teacher’s development solely to theory, content, and skills. This paper explores ways to promote citizenship, sustain preservice teacher wholeness and wellbeing, and examine preservice teacher perceptions of spirituality and mindfulness.

Unani Tibb students’ and educators’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care in education in South Africa: A mixed-methods study

Background. Unani Tibb promotes holistic patient care, yet spirituality and spiritual care seem to be neglected in education. This theory-practice gap was previously highlighted in studies on Unani Tibb practitioners. The role of spirituality and spiritual care in Unani Tibb education in South Africa (SA) remains unclear. Objectives. To explore Unani Tibb students’ and educators’ perceptions and attitudes of spirituality and spiritual care in SA. Methods. A two-stage sequential explanatory mixed-method study was conducted. Quantitative data from stage 1 was obtained using a cross-sectional descriptive study followed by in-depth interviews for the qualitative study in stage 2. Stage 1 guided the interview questions in stage 2. Descriptive data analysis was performed for the quantitative study, followed by thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Results. A total of 18 (90%) participants took part in the quantitative study followed by 10 participants (50%) in the qualitative study. Three study findings emerged: i) a heightened level of spiritual awareness was recorded for this cohort despite the lack of spirituality and spiritual care content in the curriculum, ii) participants viewed spiritual care as integral to Unani Tibb philosophy, education and practice and iii) formal integration of spirituality and spiritual care concepts in Unani Tibb education was identified as a necessity to ensure the integrity of the holistic approach required by the profession. Conclusion. This study has implications across the health education sector and more specifically for Unani Tibb educators to consider the inclusion of spiritual care content in education programmes.

Nurses' Perceptions of Spirituality and Spiritual Care and Influencing Factors in Türkiye, Italy, and Albania: A Multicultural Study.

The present study aimed to explore the perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care among nurses who work in three different countries with different cultures as well as the factors influencing their perception. This is a cross-sectional multicultural study conducted with a total of 1090 nurses from Türkiye, Albania, and Italy. Data were collected through the "Individual Information Form" and the "Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale". Nurses' mean score on the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale was above average. It was also found that country, marital status, religious belief, Islamic religion, training for spiritual care, and using spiritual practices to cope with difficulties or illnesses influenced nurses' perception of spirituality and spiritual care. It was concluded that nurses from the three countries associated spirituality and spiritual care with religion and that some personal characteristics influenced their perceptions of spiritual care. The results highlight the need for training in spiritual care to improve nurses' perceptions and practices of spiritual care.

Wellness Perception and Spiritual Wellness Practices of women of the Irula Tribe of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, India

Spiritual Wellness promotion is primordial at a fundamental level. For Indigenous Peoples across the world spiritual wellness is their way of life. In India we have many traditional and tribal communities that practice a holistic, nature-centric spiritual wellness. Towards learning more about Indigenous communities and their spiritual wellness conducted this exploratory study among the Irulas of the Nilgiris District in Tamil Nadu India. Being one of earlier settlers of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the Irulas have played an important role in the maintenance of the forests and environment of the Nilgiris.Methods: The study design is an ethnography qualitative study using In-depth interviews conducted using Dr. Kovach’s Conversation methodology for researching and documenting Indigenous Ontology. The Indigenous peoples are one of the Primitive Tribes of the Nilgiris District in Southern India known as the Irulas. The settlements that were accessed for the interview include villages in the eastern and western slopes of the Nilgiris. Results: Using basic qualitative analysis of coding and theme generation, data allowed to derive 4 themes about spiritual wellness namely: What is Spirituality, Importance of participation, Sustaining Practices and Conviction. There is a shift and adaptation to contemporary spiritual practices driven by lack of access to their forests and grasslands and also because of education and exposure of the younger generation.Conclusion: Development over time has resulted in changes in their natural environment as well as social environment leading to generational perception and practices of spirituality among women of the Irula tribes of the Nilgiris.

The Relationship Between Nurses’ Perceptions of Spirituality and Spiritual Care and Their Attitudes Towards the Nursing Profession

This descriptive study was carried out with the aim of determining the relationship between nurses’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care and their attitudes towards the nursing profession. This study was conducted with 213 nurses out of a total of 295 nurses, who agreed to participate in the research and worked in health institutions in Hakkari province and its districts. The research data were collected by the Attitudes Scale for Nursing Profession (ASNP) and Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS). As a result of the data analysis, it was determined that the average score of the ASNP was 153.78 ± 20.48 and the mean score of the SSCRS total score was 62.52 ± 7.13. In the study, all of the correlations between the total scores of the ASNP and SSCRS were statistically significant in the right direction (r = 321, p

LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE IN PALLIATIVE CARE, PREPARATION AND CAPACITY TO PROVIDE CARE AT THE END OF LIFE BY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

The predominance of slowly evolving chronic-degenerative diseases, resulting from the progressive aging of the population, has increased the need for the provision of palliative care (PC). In this context, there is an interest in evaluating the skills and abilities of health professionals. The present study aims to identify the level of: knowledge in PC, spirituality, self-efficacy and ability to provide end-of-life care (CFV) by doctors and nurses working in a hospital center. We also seek to understand the academic and clinical trajectory in learning and training in PC and discuss the inclusion of educational programs in this area. This is a quantitative, observational and cross-sectional study applied to doctors and nurses working in a hospital center, with contact with patients at the end of life. The data collection instrument included a questionnaire administered between May and July 2022. The variables were evaluated using IBM SPSS for Windows (V.26). As a result, we observed that doctors and nurses (n=380) have medium to low levels of knowledge in PC. Perceptions of spirituality, emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and preparation and ability to provide CFV revealed a moderate overall mean value. Most professionals do not have training or experience in CP. The levels of perception of emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and ability to provide CFV by health professionals are average. Knowledge in CP is low, because they are unaware of some of the principles. It is suggested that a subject on PC be included as a mandatory subject in higher education health courses.

Spiritual places: Spatial recognition of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual perception.

Tibetan Buddhism, as an indigenous religion, has a significant and far-reaching influence in the Tibetan areas of China. This study, focusing on Lhasa, explores the integration of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual perceptions within urban spaces. Employing a novel approach that combines street view data and deep learning technology, the research aims to identify and map the spatial distribution of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual sites against the backdrop of the urban landscape. Our analysis reveals a notable concentration of these spiritual places near urban architectural and cultural heritage areas, highlighting the profound connection between residents' cultural life and spiritual practices. Despite challenges posed by modern urbanisation, these spiritual sites demonstrate resilience and adaptability, continuing to serve as cultural and spiritual pillars of the Tibetan Buddhist community. This study contributes to the fields of urban planning, religious studies, and digital humanities by demonstrating the potential of technology in examining the impact of urban development on cultural and religious landscapes. The research underscores the importance of protecting and integrating spaces of spiritual perception in urban development planning. It shows that safeguarding these spaces is crucial not only for cultural heritage preservation but also for achieving sustainable urban development and social harmony. This study opens new avenues for interdisciplinary research, advocating for a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between urban development and spiritual spaces from psychological, sociological, and environmental science perspectives. As urban landscapes evolve, the study emphasises the need to maintain a balance between material sustainability and cultural and spiritual richness in urban planning.

Investigating spiritual care perceptions and religious coping methods among the relatives of terminally ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of Turkey.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey and around the world has had a profound impact on the families of terminally ill patients. In this challenging period, investigating the spiritual care perceptions and religious coping methods of patients' relatives is an essential step towards understanding the experiences in this process with the additional challenges brought by the pandemic and developing appropriate support services. This study aims to determine the spiritual care perceptions and the use of religious coping methods among the relatives of terminally ill patients in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample of this descriptive and correlational study consisted of the relatives of terminally ill patients (n = 147) who were receiving treatment in the Anesthesiology and Reanimation Intensive Care Unit of a state hospital in Turkey. Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale and the Religious Coping Scale to them using face-to-face interviews. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The mean age of the participants was 38.84 ± 11.19years. Also, 63.3% of them were employed. The participant's total score on the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale was 57.16 ± 6.41, and it was determined that the participants' level of perception of spirituality and spiritual care concepts was close to good. When the Religious Coping Scale scores of the participants were examined, it was found that both Positive Religious Coping levels (23.11 ± 2.34) and Negative Religious Coping levels (9.48 ± 1.47) were close to high. There was no correlation between the scores of RCOPE and SSCRS (p > 0.05). As a result, it was determined that the level of perception of spirituality and spiritual care concepts of the relatives of terminally ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was close to sound, and their Positive Religious Coping levels were high. Epidemics are a reality of the world, and it is essential to learn lessons from this process and take precautions for the future. We offer a perspective to realize the coping power of religion and spirituality, which are integral parts of life. The needs of terminally ill patients' relatives, a sensitive group, become visible.

Perceptions of spirituality and predictors of competence in spiritual care among nursing students in five middle eastern countries: A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundSpiritual Care is integral to holistic nursing; however, it often remains underprovided due to a lack of education. ObjectiveThis study examined perceptions of spirituality and predictors of competence in spiritual care among nursing students in Middle Eastern countries. DesignA cross-sectional survey was used. Participant/settingNursing students (n = 785) from five universities in Middle Eastern countries were included. MethodsParticipants completed the Spiritual Care-Giving Scale-Arabic and Spiritual Care Competency Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of perceived competence in spiritual care. ResultsNursing students showed positive attitudes towards spirituality, with a mean score of 5.1 (SD = 0.60) on the Spiritual Care-Giving Scale-Arabic. However, their perceived competence in providing spiritual care was low to moderate with a mean score of 79.0 (SD = 32.0) on the Spiritual Care Competency Scale. The bivariate analysis indicated significant relationships between students' spiritual care competence and gender, previous exposure to spirituality education, willingness to undergo spirituality training, and total spirituality score. Finally, significant predictors of higher competence included regular admission status, prior spiritual education, willingness to undergo spiritual care training, and higher personal spirituality scores. ConclusionNursing students in the Middle East have positive attitudes towards spirituality, but low to moderate competence in providing spiritual care. The influence of personal spirituality on competence underscores the importance of fostering a supportive environment for students to reflect on their beliefs. Comprehensive curriculum revisions and training programs, along with the recognition of the impact of personal spirituality, are essential to prepare future nurses for holistic people's care.

Take the bull by the horns! The role of spiritual leadership and dark triad toward workplace incivility

PurposeWorkplace incivility has become a global issue; therefore, this study aims to investigate how spiritual leadership can help employees to overcome uncivil behaviors in the workplace. Specifically, the authors explored the mediating mechanism between spiritual leadership and workplace incivility through workplace spirituality. The authors further examined how negative personalities (i.e. Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism) moderate workplace spirituality and workplace incivility.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected data from 369 employees working in the banking sector on a convenience basis. The authors applied structural equation modeling for hypotheses testing.FindingsThe authors noted that spiritual leaders help employees to reduce uncivil workplace behaviors and employees’ perception of workplace spirituality intervenes the same. The authors further identified that the negative association between workplace spirituality and workplace incivility is moderated by the dark triad (Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism) such that individuals high in Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism weaken this negative association.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional design may restrict causality. However, our findings not only contribute to social cognitive theory but also suggest management includes civility intervention as an essential part of organizations’ training and development.Originality/valueThis study not only highlighted the role of spiritual leadership and workplace spirituality toward workplace incivility but also shed light on how negative personalities can ignore workplace spirituality to exhibit uncivil behavior.

Book Review: Perceiving Things Divine: Towards a Constructive Account of Spiritual Perception

Book Review: Perceiving Things Divine: Towards a Constructive Account of Spiritual Perception

Examining the Relationship Between Teachers' Organizational Spirituality and Their Perceptions of Job Performance

This study aims to examine the relationship between teachers' perceptions of organizational spirituality and their job performance. The sample of the study consisted of 728 teachers working in high schools in the central districts of Erzurum province, who were selected by stratified proportional sampling method. The data of the research were collected by the "Workplace Spirituality Scale" and the "Teacher Job Performance Scale”. Descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis were used in the analysis of the research data. In the study, it was determined that there was a moderate positive and significant relationship between teachers' perceptions of organizational spirituality and their job performance. It was determined that organizational spirituality sub-dimensions (job passion, mysterious experience, sense of community) significantly predicted job performance. In the study, it was determined that female teachers performed more task performance than males. It was found that married teachers have a higher perception of organizational spirituality compared to single teachers. It has been found that experienced teachers show more adaptive performance compared to teachers with lower seniority. Finally, it was determined that teachers in Anatolian and science-social sciences high schools showed more 'adaptive performance' than teachers in religious vocational and vocational technical high schools.

The influence of IQ, emotional and spiritual perceptions on sports participation in an effort to improve physical health

This study aimed to determine the influence of intellectual intelligence (IQ), emotional, and spiritual perceptions on sports participation to improve physical health. It employed a quantitative research design using a survey method, with questionnaires distributed to participants. A total of 100 respondents, comprising both men and women who were government employees, took part in the study. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires distributed via Google Forms and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method with SmartPLS software version 3. The results of this study indicated that emotions had a positive and statistically significant effect on IQ (p &lt; 0.05), a negative and statistically insignificant effect on perceptions of physical health (p &gt; 0.05), and a positive and statistically significant effect on spirituality (p &lt; 0.05). IQ had a negative and statistically insignificant effect on perceived physical health (p &gt; 0.05). In contrast, spirituality had a positive and statistically significant effect on perceptions of physical health (p &lt; 0.05). This study suggested that for sports participants aiming to enhance their health through physical activity, it was beneficial to incorporate emotional intelligence, IQ, and spirituality. Consequently, the selection of sports activities should consider these factors (emotions, IQ, and spirituality) to maximize their positive effects.

Relationship between workplace spirituality with organization-based self-esteem and workplace deviant behaviors among Iranian nurses

BackgroundDespite the numerous studies conducted on workplace spirituality, there is still lack of studies that have explored the relationship between workplace spirituality with organization-based self-esteem and workplace deviant behaviors. This study aims to examine the relationship between workplace spirituality with organization-based self-esteem and workplace deviant behaviors among Iranian nurses.Methods236 nurses from 5 hospitals participated in this descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional study from August to December 2022. Data was gathered by four questionnaires: demographic information, workplace spirituality, organization-based self-steam, and workplace deviant behaviors. The data were analyzed by SPSS 26 based on descriptive and inferential statistics (Independent Two-sample t Test, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression).ResultsBased on the findings, nurses had a moderate level of perception of workplace spirituality and organization-based self-esteem while having a low level of perception regarding the occurrence of workplace deviate behaviors. Results of Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between workplace spirituality and organization-based self-esteem. Additionally, there was an inverse and significant relationship between workplace spirituality and organization-based self-esteem with workplace deviant behaviors. Results of multiple regression analyses indicate that by controlling the demographic characteristics of nurses, the meaningful work and sense of community have a significant relationship with organization-based self-esteem. Furthermore, by controlling the demographic characteristics of nurses, permanent employment status, sense of community, alignment with the organization’s values, and organization-based self-esteem have a significant relationship with workplace deviant behavior.ConclusionsThe study suggests that organizations must prioritize promoting workplace spirituality and organization-based self-esteem to ensure a healthy work environment and prevent workplace deviant behaviors.