Spiritual Support Research Articles

The Impact of Religious Practices on the Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth of Adolescents

Resilience and post-traumatic growth play crucial roles in the development of adolescents, particularly when they encounter diverse obstacles in life. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of religious practices on resilience and experience personal growth after experiencing trauma in adolescents. This research employs a quantitative methodology grounded on a positivist framework. Data were gathered using a simple random sampling method including 218 Muslim teenagers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia who had encountered stressful incidents in the preceding year. Statistical analysis was employed to examine the correlation between variables. This research illustrates that religious practices may serve as a substantial source of resilience for teenagers in managing trauma. Engagement in religious activities enhances resilience and fosters healthy development. These findings indicate the need for the amalgamation of spiritual support and psychological therapies to facilitate teenage rehabilitation.

Spirituality, Spiritual Distress and Experiences of Joy, Meaning and Growth Among Parkinson's Disease Caregivers in the United States.

Caregiving challenges of Parkinson's disease can result in loss of faith, meaning, and spiritual distress. The purpose of this study is to describe Parkinson's disease caregivers' perceptions and experiences related to spiritual distress, sources of spiritual and religious support, acts, and experiences of growth, and finding meaning and joy in the midst of spiritual distress. We conducted semi-structured interviews with caregivers of persons with Parkinson's disease (n = 16) and identified five themes: (a) Bearing witness to suffering underlies spiritual distress; (b) Prayers are pleas for "soul help"; (c) Spiritual guidance and support are important; (d) Faith and community are sources of spiritual support; and (e) Joy, meaning, and growth help to transcend spiritual distress. Interventions that target sources of spiritual distress and joy are needed.

Coping with cancer pain: a qualitative study to explore pain perception and self-coping strategies of patients with cancer in Sri Lanka

Pain is one of the most debilitating symptoms of cancer, substantially diminishing one’s quality of life. The level of pain experienced is eventually determined by the pain coping strategies adopted...

An aftercare intervention programme for employees returning from substance use rehabilitation in South Africa

PurposeEmployee assistance programmes (EAPs) and wellness practitioners (WPs) are the first line of support for employees returning from substance use rehabilitation. However, many workplaces need more guidance and support provisions to address these needs effectively. The purpose of this paper is to present a 10-week aftercare intervention programme that EAPs and WPs can use to support employees returning to work after a period of substance use rehabilitation.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative methodological approach involved two distinct stages of data collection and consensus search activities. Stage 1 involved three data collection activities with three stakeholder groups, and Stage 2 consisted of two consensus-seeking engagements with the intended audience of the intervention programme.FindingsParticipants in the consensus-seeking activities endorsed the inclusion of content in the proposed intervention programme and structural and organisational arrangements. Specific recommendations were made, namely, increased reliance on faith-based and spiritual support, the need to include community support structures and ensuring that workplace interventions include counselling, skills training and motivational speakers.Practical implicationsThose working in the EAP environment are offered a systematic and holistic plan for managing and supporting employees recovering from substance abuse disorders (SUDs) to maintain their recovery and return to productive work.Originality/valueImplementing the intervention programmes can reduce the ad hoc nature of current approaches to workplace aftercare. The WPs are placed in a central role while stressing the valuable input of other key role players within the workplace or part of the family and community networks of the employee.

Spiritual needs of family caregivers in palliative care

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study is to elucidate the spiritual needs encountered by family members who intricately engage in the progression of illness within the palliative care framework, thus assuming the paramount responsibility of caregiving.MethodsThis study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee of the University of Health Sciences İzmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital (17/01/2022–2022/01–16). The research was designed as a prospective study. It was conducted through face-to-face, interactive interviews with family caregivers of patients admitted to the palliative care unit at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between April 2022 and December 2022. The interviews were performed using a phenomenological approach and structured in a question-and-answer format. Data from twenty family caregivers were analyzed using thematic analysis. The questions were specifically designed to explore the psychological processes, spirituality, conceptions of God, meaning-making, and coping strategies of the family caregivers.ResultsCaregivers experienced various psychological and emotional states progressing through stages of denial, anger, and acceptance. Spirituality emerged as a critical coping mechanism providing strength and meaning amidst caregiving challenges. Caregivers’ perceptions of God varied from loving to punitive, influencing their interpretations of suffering and caregiving roles.ConclusionThis study underscores the importance of integrating spiritual support into palliative care practices. Recognizing and addressing caregivers’ spiritual needs is crucial for enhancing their well-being and improving the quality of palliative care delivery. Training healthcare professionals in spiritual care and implementing targeted interventions can effectively support family caregivers in their caregiving journey.

Comfort Care Needs of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Survivors: Lived Experience

Introduction: Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) and, consequently, the chronicity associated with this life event have a growing prevalence and a significant impact on the life and daily life of each person who experiences it. It is necessary to reflect on the care needs of this group of vulnerable people. Comfort is a concern, and its improvement is a desired outcome of healthcare. To achieve this, it is necessary to know the needs of the people who are the focus of care. Aim: This paper aims to understand the needs of comfort care in the lived experience of comfort for survivors of ASCT. Methodology: Qualitative approach using van Manen’s phenomenology of practice. We uncovered the phenomenon through phenomenological interviews, which integrated narratives and illustrative episodes that reflected the lived experience of 20 survivors. Participants in the study were people who had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation, who were monitored on an outpatient basis and who met the following conditions: (i) were over 18 years old; (ii) had undergone SCT at least 3 months previously; (iii) had no evidence of disease relapse; (iv) were able to express themselves verbally, providing information relevant to the study, as well as expressing emotions and feelings. Descriptions of lived experiences were collected from participants between July 2020 and May 2021. In the phenomenological reflection on the lived descriptions, we followed the “stages” epoché, reduction, and vocative. Results: The following themes emerged from the ASCT survivor’s lived experience of comfort related to comfort care needs: continuous follow-up, reference nurse, information, assistance in adapting to the new self, mental health intervention, spiritual support, adaptation to changes in sexuality, physical rehabilitation, and job reintegration. Conclusion: This study reveals the importance of continuous follow-up for ASCT survivors. Survivors experience major changes in their lives in the long term and require a response from health professionals to find comfort in their daily lives.

Fortifying Physical and Psychological Wellbeing: Leveraging Capital for Resilience Against Racism and Adversity Across Racial Groups.

This study examines the impact of various adversities-including racism, indirect adversity, loss of a loved one, and adverse police contact-on psychological and physical health outcomes such as sleep quality, depressive symptoms, serious illness, and self-reported health. Additionally, it investigates how economic, educational, social, and spiritual capital moderate these effects, with attention to racial differences. Leveraging a sample of 1139 participants from the 1995 Detroit Area Study, analyses reveal nuanced effects of adversity, with the impact being neutralized, attenuated, or amplified by coping capacities. Economic and educational supports generally provide protectivehealth benefits, while social and religious supports reveal complex, sometimes divergent effects. Subgroup analyses reveal racial differences: for instance, Black individuals face a higher likelihood of developing aserious illness in connection with adverse police encounters, and White individuals benefit from liquid assets in buffering depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the need for multifaceted, context-sensitive health interventions and policies that enhance economic stability, educational opportunities, and mental health services, while strengthening social and spiritual support systems to build resilience and mitigate the adverse health effects of these adversities.

A Preliminary Study of the Relevance of Zhu You Shu and Narrative Medicine

Abstract Zhu You Shu (祝由术 a form of traditional Chinese spiritual healing) originated in ancient times and was extensively utilized in China. This paper illustrates the origin, concept and techniques of Zhu You Shu in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and explores the correlation between Zhu You Shu and the three focuses and three elements of narrative medicine. The elements of Zhu You Shu, such as Zhu Shuo Bing You (祝说病由 explanation the original cause of the disease) and Qing Zhi Xiang Sheng (情志相胜 generation and restraint of emotions) share fundamental similarities with narrative medicine. Based on the principles of Zhu You Shu and narrative medicine, the doctor engages in active listening and communication with the patient to establish a trusting relationship. Utilizing the Qing Zhi Xiang Sheng technique, the doctor seeks to understand and regulate the patient's psychological processes. By integrating psychological cues, the aim is to restore emotional balance and enhance the patient's emotional and mental well-being while fostering a lasting emotional bond and providing spiritual support. Zhu You Shu has the potential to enhance the clinical pathway of narrative medicine in TCM. Simultaneously, the progress of narrative medicine will offer more sophisticated contemporary medical theories to assist the advancement of Zhu You Shu.

Civic Identity and Mental Health in Russia: The Role of Psychological Coping Strategies During Sanctions and Perceived Threat.

We explore the role of Russian civic identity in maintaining mental health in a challenging socioeconomic and political environment. The study was conducted on a sample of Russians in August 2022 after the beginning of the military conflict in Ukraine and the imposition of multiple sanctions on Russia. The sample included 384 respondents from 18 to 54 years old. The questionnaire included methods for assessing Russian civic identity, general psychological health, depression, and the psychological coping strategies in crisis situations. We explored whether Russian civic identity has direct, indirect, and total positive effects on general psychological health. The indirect effect was examined through psychological coping strategies, such as Reframing and Spiritual support. For depression reduction, the role of Russian civic identity was not significant as we did not find a statistically significant direct or total effect. However, we found a statistically significant indirect negative effect of civic identity on depression via a Reframing strategy. Thus, Russian civic identity may increase general psychological health and reduce depression through Reframing. Although the conflict is highly controversial geopolitically, our study findings may have important implications for other settings that may be involved in conflict or be under sanctions.

The Effect of Religious Attitudes of Nursing Students on Their Perceptions of Spiritual Support

Öz Amaç: Dinsel tutum, sağlık çalışanlarının mesleki yaşamlarındaki tutumları arasında en önemli faktörlerden biridir. Maneviyat bütüncül yaklaşımın doğal bir parçası ve hemşirelik bakımının vazgeçilmez bir unsurudur. Tanımlayıcı tipte olan bu araştırma, hemşirelik öğrencilerinin dini tutumlarının manevi destek algılarına etkisini ortaya koymak amacıyla yapılmıştır. Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel bir çalışmadır. Araştırma 10.06.2019-10.07.2019 tarihleri arasında Türkiye'de öğrenim gören 385 öğrenci ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veriler, araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen, demografik özellikler ve manevi bakıma ilişkin soruları içeren anket formu, Dini Tutum Ölçeği (RAS) ve Manevi Destek Algısı Ölçeği (SSPS) kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Veriler yüzde, ortalama, t testi ve ANOVA testi kullanılarak değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Araştırmaya katılan öğrencilerin %85,5'inin 18-22 yaş grubunda olduğu, %70,6'sının kadın, %96,9'unun bekar olduğu belirlendi. Öğrencilerin Manevi Destek Algı Ölçeği'nden (SSPS) ortalama puanları 49,03±9,3, Dini Tutum Ölçeği'nden (RAS) ortalama puanları 27,60±4,35 olarak belirlendi. Öğrencilerin manevi destek algıları ile dini tutumları arasında orta düzeyde pozitif bir ilişki bulunmuştur. Sonuç: Hemşirelerin bireysel düşünce sistemi, manevi ihtiyaç ve bakım algısı, kendi yaşam umudu, gönüllülüğü, konuya duyarlılığı, dini bilgi, düşünce ve tutumları hemşirelik bakımında etkilidir. Bu nedenle, öğrenci hemşirelerin, manevi bakım şeklinde hastaya sunacakları manevi desteğe ilişkin bilgi ve uygulamaları dini tutum bilgileriyle birleştirerek öğrenme süreçlerinde sunmaları, farkındalıklarını artırmaları ve bütünsel sağlık sağlamaları önemlidir.

Death awareness and psychological resilience in adults aged 50 plus

This study examines the relationship between death awareness and psychological resilience in adults aged 50 and above, focusing on the roles of religious activity, recent death experiences, and educational background. A total of 52 participants completed surveys measuring death awareness (TBS-5) and resilience (RS-10). Results indicated that religiously active individuals reported significantly lower death anxiety and higher resilience compared to non-religious participants. Additionally, individuals who had experienced the death of a loved one in the past 12 months showed a tendency toward greater openness in discussing death. No significant effects were found for educational background. While the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, the study highlights the importance of religious and experiential factors in shaping attitudes toward mortality and offers practical implications for end-of-life care and counseling. The results also suggest that fostering open dialogue about death and enhancing spiritual support may increase psychological resilience among older adults.

Reported roles of care partners in a specialized weaning centre-perspectives of patients, care partners, and health care providers.

Care partners are individuals chosen by a person with an illness to support their care during hospitalization. Patients with persistent critical illness have longer than average critical care admission and often other conditions including dysphagia, communication vulnerability, severe physical deconditioning, the need for an artificial airway, and difficulty weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation. Family presence has been identified as important for patients experiencing persistent critical illness in specialized weaning centers. Despite this, the role of care partners in clinical settings for patients with persistent critical illness has not been fully characterized, particularly from the perspectives of patients, care partners, and health care providers. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the roles of care partners during persistent critical illness from the perspectives of patients, care partners, and health care providers. We used qualitative descriptive methodology including semi-structured interviews and content analysis. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Included participants (n = 30) were patient survivors (n = 7), care partners of patient survivors (n = 9), and professionally diverse health care providers (n = 14) of adult patients with persistent critical illness from two specialized units in one community academic hospital in Toronto, Canada. Participants across all groups described care partner roles that included physical, mental health, cognitive, social, and spiritual support of the patient, including the perceived role of safeguarding the multiple dimensions of care for the patient who is experiencing persistent critical care in specialized care settings. The results of this study are being used to co-design, implement, and evaluate a sustainable care partner program that is acceptable, appropriate, and feasible to implement in clinical settings where the care of patients with persistent critical illness occurs. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ).

From Family to Community: A Preliminary Discussion on Strengthening the Sence of the Chinese National Community through the Integration of Family and Country

The Chinese nation shares the same culture and ancestry, and the traditional values of the unity and homogeneity of the family and the country in Chinese civilization indicate the development prospects and process of various ethnic groups on the road of rejuvenation, which is characterized by unity and solidarity, and has become an endogenous driving force for strengthening the sense of community of the Chinese nation. At a new historical starting point, with the focus and support on the unity of family and country, we aim to strengthen the sense of community among the Chinese nation, providing important value guidance and spiritual support for consolidating the shared spiritual home of the Chinese nation and consolidating its centripetal force. We should promote the construction of modern civilization of the Chinese nation and enhance the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation; Focusing on "small families", melting millions of "family dreams" into the "Chinese Dream" of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation; Focusing on "everyone", inheriting and innovating excellent traditional Chinese culture, and enhancing the subjectivity of Chinese national culture; Looking at the world, we should enhance the conscious identification of various ethnic groups with the sense of community of the Chinese nation through cultural exchange and mutual learning.

A study of intergenerational support and the health relationship of the elderly population: Evidence from CHARLS

BackgroundCurrently, the relationship of intergenerational support on health is mainly focused on physical health and mental health, and there are fewer studies on the relationship of intergenerational support on self-assessed health. Therefore, this paper discusses and analyzes the possible relationship of intergenerational support on the self-assessed health of older adults in terms of the bidirectional support of various forms of support between older parents and their adult children in terms of financial, living, and emotional support(CHARLS). MethodsThis study was conducted on participants aged 65 and over, using the CHARLS 2020 survey, involving 6359 (3069 men and 3290 women) elderly people.Health was measured in three dimensions: physical, psychological, and self-assessment; intergenerational support was measured in three dimensions: financial, life care, and spiritual comfort; and regression models analysed the relationship between intergenerational support and the health of the elderly population. ResultsChildren's life care support (p < 0.05) had a significant positive association on physiological health, but a significant negative association on the elderly's psychological and self-assessed health, children's spiritual comfort support (p < 0.05) had a positive association on the elderly's physiological health, psychological health, and self-assessed health, and children's financial support (p < 0.05) was positively correlated with the elderly's psychological, and children's financial support had a positive association, but not related to physical health and self-rated health of the elderly. ConclusionsThe relationship between intergenerational support and the health of the older population is complex, with life-care support significantly contributing to physical health but negatively affecting mental health and self-assessed health; spiritual comfort support positively affecting physical, mental and self-assessed health; and financial support having a primarily positive effect on mental health. Therefore, children should fully respect and utilise the ‘autonomy’ of the elderly when providing intergenerational support to the elderly in their families. It is also important to improve intergenerational communication abilities and skills, which will help to better understand and fulfil the needs of older people, thereby promoting their physical and mental health.

Challenges and opportunities for strengthening palliative care services in primary healthcare facilities: perspectives of health facilities in-charges in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

BackgroundWith the rise of non-communicable diseases in Tanzania, palliative care (PC) is increasingly needed to improve the quality of life for these patients through pain and symptom management and providing...

Kajian Teologis tentang Mazmur 23:1-6 dan Penerapannya dalam Pelayanan Gereja Masa Kini

Psalm 23:1-6 is one of the most well-known passages in the Christian tradition, portraying the intimate relationship between God as the Shepherd and His people as the sheep. In the context of contemporary church ministry, a deep understanding of these verses is crucial, as they offer theological and practical guidance for the faith community in overcoming various spiritual and emotional challenges. This study aims to explore the theological relevance of Psalm 23 in the context of modern church ministry. The primary objective of this research is to conduct a theological analysis of Psalm 23:1-6 and to explore its application in today's church ministry context. This study also seeks to identify how the principles contained in this Psalm can serve as a foundation for pastoral care, spiritual strengthening, and congregation development in the modern church. The research employs a qualitative approach, using literature review and textual analysis methods. The primary sources used include the Hebrew text of Psalm 23:1-6 and modern translations, while secondary sources comprise various theological literature, Bible commentaries, and writings from related theological experts. This research also utilizes hermeneutical methods to delve deeper into the meaning of the text and its interpretation in various historical and theological contexts. The results indicate that Psalm 23 portrays God as a Shepherd who nourishes, protects, and guides His people, creating a sense of security and trust for those who follow Him. These attributes are relevant to contemporary church ministry, particularly in the context of pastoral care and spiritual support for congregants facing life crises. The findings also suggest that the application of the values contained in Psalm 23 can strengthen church ministry strategies in providing comfort, trust, and hope to its members. This study concludes that Psalm 23 holds strong and practical relevance for modern church ministry, as it offers an ideal depiction of divine care that can be applied in pastoral ministry. The church can use the principles from this Psalm to build trust and hope among congregants, as well as to provide more effective spiritual support in addressing the challenges of modern times.

Theranostics, Advanced Cancer, and The Meaning of Life.

There is an unmet need to recognize and address the psychosocial and spiritual support of the rapidly growing population of cancer survivors living with advanced metastatic disease which is essentially incurable. Palliative chemotherapy may do more harm than good. The role of the physician in the provision of a supportive, compassionate relationship of mutual trust is critical in the exploration of spirituality and the meaning of life for each individual patient. The objective must be to enhance quality of life rather than prolong it at any cost. Nuclear physicians are now equipped to offer effective control of advanced metastatic cancer of prostate and neuroendocrine neoplasms without clinically evident toxicity. They also now have the potential to practice phronesis, and in so doing, to significantly ameliorate the quality of life of patients afflicted with these specific advanced cancers. During the time of prolonged symptom-free survival, these patients may be encouraged to find life's meaning and a peaceful acceptance of their inevitable demise.

Flourishing Pada Mahasiswa Yang Mengikuti Organisasi Kemahasiswaan Ditinjau Dari Spiritualitas Dan Dukungan Sosial

Flourishing is an important construct for students to have, because it has a positive impact or influence on them. These impacts include the good influence of flourishing on academic achievement and improving student performance. This research aims to determine the relationship between spirituality and social support and the flourishing of students who join student organizations. This research uses a correlational quantitative approach with 92 students as respondents who are currently actively participating in student organizations. The instruments used in this research were the flourishing scale (α = 0.832), the spirituality scale (α = 0.936) and the social support scale (α = 0.900). The data collection technique uses non-probability sampling techniques, especially purposive sampling techniques. In analyzing the data, researchers used multiple linear regression test techniques. The research results show that there is a relationship between spirituality and social support and the flourishing of students who join student organizations.

Spirituality support in social work education and practice, when helping clients to strengthen self-identity and to build social skills

ABSTRACT Social work practices in many forms have societal value via exploratory pathways and motivational methods toward self-awareness and personal betterment. Such practices exist among, and are adapted to, varied cultural norms. This research examined the use of spirituality-based approaches, as implemented in Indonesia, to help people who have been affected by drug addictions or by disabilities. By interviewing social workers who engage spirituality to assist clients at rehabilitation centers, we elicited details of such workers’ methods for aiding in their clients’ recovery. Analysis of our verbatim transcripts identified characteristics of the social workers’ self-reports and concomitant overall themes. Findings identified positive effects that were achieved while social workers incorporated spirituality as a part of their methodology with clients. Beneficial behavioral changes were associated with spirituality invoked as a part of the social workers’ process, which encouraged clients to recognize their inner values, to keep a positive attitude toward overcoming difficulties, and to develop useful social skills.

Guidelines to manage women with infertility: an e-Delphi study

Introduction: The psychosocial health problems associated with infertility is compounded in African women when prevailing cultural expectations emphasize the value of parenthood. Despite the social stigma these women endure, they are still mostly managed from a biomedical approach, especially in Ghana, the context of the study. Objective: This study explored the views of a panel of experts to reach consensus on holistic guidelines to manage women with infertility in Ghana. Methods: An e-Delphi technique was employed to retrieve information using a panel of 20 experts. Data collection was conducted in two rounds, and each participating expert was emailed the preliminary guidelines to rate based on certain criteria. Data analysis was done in accordance with the expert participants’ rating of and comments on the guidelines. Results: The final guidelines for holistic healthcare to manage women with infertility include the following interventions: Holistic healthcare assessment, psychological interventions, health education, spiritual support, relevant support from significant others; all within a therapeutic relationship. Conclusion: When healthcare providers use the final set of guidelines to manage women diagnosed with infertility, these women will receive holistic healthcare to attain optimal health and improved chances of conceiving. Keywords: Holistic approach; e-Delphi technique; psychosocial interventions; infertility.