Spiritual Health Chapter 48

48-2 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spirituality  Most definitions of spirituality include the common threads of transcendence, connection, balance, and purpose.

48-3 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spirituality  Transcendence involves finding meaning larger than one’s individual self and life.  Transcendence allows a person to love unconditionally, allowing that person to work for “larger” issues.

48-4 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spirituality  Connection is integration of all of the aspects of being human.  To be connected is to feel a part of the universe and in relationship with all creation.

48-5 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spirituality  Balance is often defined as harmony.  Purpose is a person’s understanding of the impact of his or her life.

48-6 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Religion  A system of beliefs and practices that usually involves a community of like- minded people

48-7 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Overview of Major World Religions  Phophetic religions are those which believe in a personal God who rules the universe. Judaism Christianity Islam

48-8 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Overview of Major World Religions  Mystic religions are those in which God is a principle, rather than a being.  This principle is the source of all life. Hinduism Buddhism Sikhism Shintoism

48-9 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Overview of Major World Religions  Atheists are those who do not believe in the existence of a God.  Agnostics are those who do not know if a God exists or not.

48-10 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Comparing Common Concepts Among Religions  Comparing Common Concepts Among Religions Approach to health and illness Beliefs about healing Conceptualizations of birth, death, illness, and diet

48-11 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Cultural Practices and Religion  A person’s culture does not necessarily determine his or her religious orientation.  Culture and religion do often work together to define health, illness, and healing practices.

48-12 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Descriptions of Specific Religions  Christianity Prophetic religion Follow teachings of Jesus Christ Opportunity for eternal life

48-13 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Descriptions of Specific Religions  Islam Belief in prophet Muhammed Duty to worship and obey God Pray five times a day

48-14 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Descriptions of Specific Religions  Hinduism Basic Hindu thought is mystic. Belief in reincarnation The behavior of a person in a particular life determines the position the soul will have in the next life.

48-15 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Descriptions of Specific Religions  Buddhism Splinter group from Hinduism Remains a mystic tradition No belief in any God “The Buddha,” is the “enlightened one.” Meditation Path to Enlightenment

48-16 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Descriptions of Specific Religions  Sikhism Mystic religion Attempts to reconcile a belief in one God with a belief in rebirth Sikhs do not believe in prophets. Equality of all people is a central tenet. The body should remain intact as given by God.

48-17 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Descriptions of Specific Religions  Judaism Both a religion and an ethnicity A prophetic religion concerned with belief in one God Appropriate behavior in relationship to God Ten Commandments is the foundation for the morality of the Western world.

48-18 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spirituality in Nursing Theory  The lack of “scientific objectivity” that is inherent in spirituality may account for the general absence of spirituality in nursing theory.

48-19 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Watson’s Theory of Nursing and Spirituality  The human soul is an essential part of each human being.  Transpersonal caring relationship The nurse promotes healing by assisting a person to find meaning and autonomy. The nurse and client develop a shared experience that leads to healing.

48-20 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Connection Between Spirituality and Health  Spiritual Nursing Care Discomfort in exploring spiritual concerns with clients may reflect personal confusion or rejection of religion. A first step in assisting others with spiritual concerns is to assess one’s own personal spiritual beliefs. Use of a spiritual self-assessment tool

48-21 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Assessment  Spiritual Development Across the Life Span Fowler’s Stages on spiritual development point out that spiritual needs and understanding will change as a person ages. At every age, spiritual concerns may be extremely important.

48-22 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Assessment  General Spiritual Assessment Person’s concept of God or a spiritual Being Spiritual beliefs and practices Any spiritual questioning or doubts Source of spiritual strength

48-23 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Assessment for Children  Spiritual questions and concerns  Beliefs about illness as a punishment  Fear of death and what will happen after death  Family’s religious values and practices

48-24 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Assessment for Adolescents  May not have the same beliefs and practices as their parents  Relationships are key to understanding of self and others.  Relationships with others form the foundation of spiritual beliefs.

48-25 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Assessment for Adults  Values that may have been important in adolescence may change radically as a person matures.  Older adults tend to be more involved in religious activities and to state that religion is very important in their daily lives.

48-26 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Assessment for Adults  Frequency of praying increases with age.

48-27 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Nursing Diagnoses  Risk for Spiritual Distress  Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well- Being

48-28 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Outcome Identification and Planning  Client participation in identifying outcomes  Person maintains feelings of connectedness and peace  Continues activities that promote meaning in his or her life

48-29 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Interventions  Providing support and encouragement  Conveying a caring presence  Listening  Calling for the person’s spiritual counselor  Praying with the client if they are comfortable with prayer  Touch

48-30 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Interventions Across the Life Span  Children Use of stories Ritual  Adolescents Help with discovering values and actions important for them Encouraging exploration of meaning and purpose in life within a framework of relationship

48-31 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Interventions Across the Lifespan  Older Adults Older adults who have an active religious/spiritual life appear to be healthier, and more likely to heal. Frequency of prayer increases with age. -Making it possible for an older person to maintain usual religious/spiritual observances

48-32 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Interventions Across the Lifespan  Those who are dying have extraordinary spiritual needs. Companionship Connection with important others Finishing important “business” Life review

48-33 Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Spiritual Evaluation  Expression of more spiritual comfort  Expression of satisfaction with spirituality  Demonstrates some of the defining characteristics of spiritual well-being  Client is able to describe a number of support systems to use when spiritual conflict arises.