Tuesday 26 February 2013

Spirituality in Health Care - the Experiential / Existential Domain


     "Spirituality is a universal human phenomenon, yet confusion and incomprehension of the concept is ever-present. ... Health research on spirituality in the past decade was reviewed quantitatively and qualitatively, as well as cross-culturally and historically.
     A thematic analysis of current definitions of spirituality revealed the following themes: existential reality, transcendence, connectedness, and power / force / energy.
      In the experiential / existential domain ... spirituality is an individual, subjective, intrinsic, conscious experience, a way of being ... manifested through becoming, (and) grows in scope and power. Spirituality is a personal journey to discover meaning and purpose in life. In this journey, a person learns to face fears, to deal with the unknown, to face mortality; and at the same time, to love, forgive, and to comfort others. Additional facets include a person’s will to live and to realize the law of kama (originated from an Indian belief that every action has a corresponding reaction, and that every effect has a preceding cause), to live life with fulfillment and with satisfaction. This growth process is evolving and integrative."
 
     Chiu L et al. An Integrative Review of the Concept of Spirituality in the Health Sciences. Western Journal of Nursing Research 2004; 26(4): 405-428.
 

 

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