Spiritual Exploration in the Prenatal Genetic Counseling Session

Abstract

Religion and spirituality (R/S) are important components of many individuals’ lives, and spirituality is often employed by women coping with pregnancy complications. To characterize how prenatal genetic counselors might address spiritual issues with patients, 283 English and Spanish speaking women receiving prenatal genetic counseling in Houston, Texas were surveyed post‐counseling using both the Brief RCope and questions regarding interest in spiritual exploration. Genetic counselors were concurrently surveyed to identify religious/spiritual language used within sessions and perceived importance of R/S. Genetic counselors were significantly more likely to identify R/S as important to a patient when patients used religious/spiritual language (p < 0.001). Conversely, when no religious/spiritual terms were present, the counselor felt uncertain about the importance of R/S 63 % of the time. However, 67 % of patients reported that they felt comfortable sharing their faith as it relates to their pregnancy, and 93 % reported using positive religious coping. Less than 25 % reported a desire for overt religious actions such as prayer or scripture exploration. Therefore, most patients’ desires for spiritual exploration center in the decision making and coping processes that are in line with the genetic counseling scope of practice. Thus, counselors should feel empowered to incorporate spiritual exploration into their patient conversations.

The factors affecting amniocentesis decision by pregnant women in the risk group and the influence of consultant

“…This is a matter affecting all clinicians in modern medicine practices in the world. [12] Furthermore, it is known that the patients tend towards spirituality not only during prenatal period but during terminal period in particular and it increases its importance in the relationship between patient and physician. [13] In Turkey, Simflek-Kiper et al published an extensive study, which was planned as a questionnaire, about prenatal decision-making process.…”

Genetic counseling graduate training to address religion and spirituality in clinical practice: A qualitative exploration of programs in North America

“…As patients navigate the complexities of genetic disease, a variety of coping techniques may be called upon. In times of crisis, it is common for people to look to their religious and/or spiritual (R/S) beliefs for support (Bartenbaker Thompson et al., 2016; Sagaser et al., 2016).…”

“…The terms and concepts of religion and spirituality are often used interchangeably, but differences have been delineated (De Jager Meezenbroek et al., 2012; Koenig, King, & Brenner Carson, 2012; Seth et al., 2011). Individuals who self‐identify as ‘religious’ may practice a specific denomination or tradition and participate in personal and/or communal activities such as praying, reading sacred texts, and attending congregational worship (Koenig et al, 2012; Sagaser et al., 2016; Seth et al., 2011). Spirituality, however, is typically broader and more fluid than religion and can include both religious and non‐religious views (Koenig et al., 2012; McCarthy Veach, LeRoy, & Bartels, 2003; McCarthy Veach, LeRoy, & Callanan, 2018; Sagaser et al., 2016; Seth et al., 2011).…”

“…Individuals who self‐identify as ‘religious’ may practice a specific denomination or tradition and participate in personal and/or communal activities such as praying, reading sacred texts, and attending congregational worship (Koenig et al, 2012; Sagaser et al., 2016; Seth et al., 2011). Spirituality, however, is typically broader and more fluid than religion and can include both religious and non‐religious views (Koenig et al., 2012; McCarthy Veach, LeRoy, & Bartels, 2003; McCarthy Veach, LeRoy, & Callanan, 2018; Sagaser et al., 2016; Seth et al., 2011). Spirituality has been defined as, ‘One's striving for and experience of connection with oneself, connectedness with others and nature, and connectedness with the transcendent’ (De Jager Meezenbroek et al., 2012).…”

“…Considering that 76% of the GCs in the Reis et al (2007) study indicated that the R/S conversations they had in clinic were initiated by the patient, GCs should be prepared to engage meaningfully in these conversations when they arise. GCs also need sufficient insight into R/S matters to refer patients to pastoral care resources, as necessary (Bartenbaker Thompson et al., 2016; McCarthy Veach et al., 2018; Sagaser et al., 2016).…”