Spiritual Support Research Articles

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.

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.

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.

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.

Peran Krusial Orang Tua Terhadap Perkembangan Iman Anak Katolik

The development of Catholic children's faith is greatly influenced by the role of parents as role models and primary educators. In the family, parents are responsible for introducing the values ​​of Catholic faith and traditions through teaching, religious practices and constructive discussions. This research reveals that parental involvement in children's spiritual lives not only strengthens the foundations of faith, but also shapes children's character and morals. Through various methods, such as praying together, attending mass, and reading the Bible, parents can create an environment that supports the growth of faith. The research results show that children who receive strong spiritual support from their parents tend to have a higher commitment to their Catholic faith in the future. Therefore, the role of parents is very crucial in forming and maintaining their children's faith.

KRISIS PADA TAHAP AWAL PASCA-PERKAWINAN KATOLIK DAN UPAYA MENGATASI KRISIS BERDASARKAN SURAT APOSTOLIK AMORIS LAETITIA

In the Catholic Church, the reality of married life shows that various kinds of crises come and disrupt the lives of married couples during the early stages of catholic post-marriage. The focus of this article is to elaborate crisis during the early stages of Catholic post-marriage and attempts to address the crisis. Therefore, this article reviews the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia from Pope Francis which speaks about Catholic marriage as the guidance for dealing with the crisis. The authors use the method of interview and literature study. In the interview method, the authors interview key informants who talk about problems during the early stages of catholic post-marriage. This study found that crisis during the early stages of catholic post-marriage is characterized by four main reasons, namely the necessity to leave parents, adjustment to one’s partner, the presence and care of children, and the presence of elderly parents. Dealing with these problems, the Church through its family pastoral inspired by the Amoris Laetitia comes to provide spiritual, moral and practical supports to the families in order to face the crises. The Church must be alert in designing programs and activities such as recollections, retreats, group discussions, family visits, and so on which are useful for strengthening family resilience and strengthening their family building and integrity.

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 analyzed 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.

Communication, Shared Decision-making and Goals of Care in the ICU through Electronic Health Records: A Scoping Review.

The care of critically ill patients involves communication and shared decision-making with families and determination of goals of care. Analyzing these aspects through electronic health records (EHRs) can support research in ICUs, associating them with outcomes. This review aims to explore studies that examine these topics. A scoping review was conducted through a systematic literature search of articles in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases using MESH terms up to 2024, conducted in ICU settings, focusing on communication with families, shared decision-making, goals, and end-of-life care. A total of 10 articles were included, divided into themes: Records and family, and records in quality improvement projects. Variables based on records with common characteristics were identified. Outcome analysis was performed through questionnaires to family members, healthcare professionals or by analyzing care processes. The studies revealed associations between family members' perceptions and mental health symptoms and documented elements such as communication, therapeutic limitations, social and spiritual support. Studies evaluating quality communication improvement projects did not show significant impact on documented care, except for those that assessed improvements based on palliative care. The analysis of documented care for critically ill patients can be conducted from various perspectives. Processes amenable to improvement, such as communication with family members, definition of goals of care, limitations, shared decision-making, evaluated through EHRs, are associated with mental health symptoms and perceptions of families of critically ill patients. Documentation-based studies can contribute to improvements in patient- and family-centered care in the ICU. de Aquino VW, da Silveira GF, Boniatti MM, Terres MS. Communication, Shared Decision-making and Goals of Care in the ICU through Electronic Health Records: A Scoping Review. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):977-987.

Intertwined Critical Realms: Caste, Babas, Deras, and Social Capital Formation in Punjab (India)

Deras are generally perceived as an alternative socio-religious space frequented mostly by lower castes and economically weaker sections of society. They promise to make a significant difference to the lives of such vulnerable sections of society by lending them much needed spiritual, moral, and social support. Within the sprawling premises of Deras, downtrodden find a welcoming ‘counter-public’ enriched with social capital, which offers them an egalitarian domain free from the afflictions of caste discriminations, social exclusion, and subtle indignities often faced by them within the mainstream religious spheres. The growth of Deras thus may be seen as an index of subaltern socio-cultural and syncretic religious realms generating a rich haul of social capital.

Explaining the Experiences of the Reasons for Non-Adherence to Treatment of Leukemia Cancer Patients in the Least Privileged Province of the Country: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: One of the most important challenges in cancer patients is the long treatment period, and as a result, non-compliance with the treatment, considering the cultural and indigenous context of Sistan and Baluchistan province, the importance of this position is felt more. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of explaining the experiences of non-adherence to treatment in Leukemia cancer patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted qualitatively with a content analysis approach via a purpose-based sampling method on 34 leukemia cancer patients with a mean age of 46±7 in 2022. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview guide. All interviews were recorded and implemented daily on paper. Finally, the data was coded using conventional content analysis method. Results: In this study, 17 women and 17 men were included in the study. 9 (26/5%) of them were more than 50 years old. After summarizing and coding the issues raised by the participants, 114 initial codes were obtained, five main themes (financial problems, lack of access to medical services, distrust of the health system and treatment, drug interactions and lack of motivation to continue treatment) and 10 sub-themes were extracted. Conclusion: It can be concluded that adherence to drug regimen in cancer patients is a complex issue that depends on many factors. The financial and spiritual support of the government, increasing insurance coverage, and developing infrastructure for better access of patients to medicines and medical centers are among the implementation suggestions of this study.

Antecedents of Life Satisfaction Among Women in Kashmir: An Empirical Study From India

Psychologists believe that life satisfaction is a crucial indicator of an individual's overall health and happiness, regardless of their work or culture. This topic has been extensively researched, with the authors identifying novel antecedents of life happiness. Life satisfaction and health are strongly related, and enhancing one area can improve the other. Frequent shifts in life satisfaction can be harmful to overall health and life expectancy. However, there is still potential to investigate life satisfaction from a fresh perspective, particularly in the Indian context. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing people's levels of pleasure in life, focusing on three categories of women in the Kashmir region: single women, married women, and widowed women. The study used a quantitative research design, including all three types of women: married, unmarried, and widowed. The research objectives were to study optimism, spirituality, resilience, and social support as predictors of life satisfaction among unmarried, married, and widowed women in Kashmir. The findings showed that optimism, spirituality, resilience, and perceived social support all have a beneficial impact on one's level of life satisfaction. Self-confidence under pressure has the biggest impact on life satisfaction, while optimism has the lowest effect amongst all variables.

O RETORNO AO TRABALHO E AO SERVIÇO MILITAR DE ADULTOS AMPUTADOS: UMA REVISÃO DE ESCOPO

The rehabilitation of adult amputees involves, among other objectives, the return to work. In this sense, the present study seeks to investigate how the return to work and the return to military service occur for adults who have undergone amputation, identifying the factors of success and analyzing the impact of Occupational Therapy. This is a scoping review that follows the guide for scoping reviews from the Joanna Briggs Institute and includes 22 articles for final data analysis and collection. The following factors related to successful return to the labor market after amputation were identified: male gender; younger age; use of prosthesis; lower pain levels; unilateral amputations; availability of accessible infrastructure in the workplace; job function adaptations and assistive technologies; and administrative positions. Regarding the return to military service, the rank within the army was shown to be the main determinant in the individual's return to service. It is noteworthy that several demands pointed out by the studies regarding the rehabilitation process and return to work can be addressed by occupational therapists, such as the adaptation of prostheses for the specific tasks of the individual, analysis and adaptation of the work environment, pain management and reduction, work activity training, and spiritual support, since beliefs related to the sacred were indicated as the main factor of success for rehabilitation. However, only two articles mention Occupational Therapy, and in both, the service is characterized as inefficient.