Spirituality and Disability: An Analysis of Select Themes

Abstract

This paper is a thematic analysis of the literature regarding spirituality, which is applied to the understanding of spirituality and disability. Implications for occupational therapy practice are suggested. The themes of "connectedness" and "expressiveness" as aspects of spirituality were generated from both the occupational therapy literature and literature from other health professions. A definition of spirituality is proposed by the author for use by the profession of occupational therapy, as follows: experiencing a meaningful connection to our core selves, other humans, the world, and/or a greater power as expressed through our reflections, narratives, and actions. Persons with disabilities described a sense of disconnectedness to others, to the world, and to a greater power. They expressed their spirituality through actions to rectify that sense of disconnection. This study suggests that further research is warranted that explores the scope of spirituality in the lives of individuals with disabilities and how spirituality relates to the theoretical and philosophical realm of occupational therapy.

The meaning of spirituality for individuals with disabilities

“…This can be done through providing modification of musical instruments and other objects used in school activities, for example, as well as educating teachers regarding ways to include children with disabilities in school activities. Kalscheur [23] indicates that addressing environmental issues is important in pediatric intervention, rather than trying to 'fix' the disability, and is mandated in the US by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Taking such an approach may increase the experience of connectedness for children with disabilities and their schools, teachers, and peers.…”

Role of spirituality in cancer coping among African Americans: a qualitative examination

“…Based upon a literature review, Schulz [6] expanded upon Thoresen's definition to include external expressions of an internal relationship with a higher power, and defined spirituality as "experiencing a meaningful connection to our core selves, others, the world, and/or a greater power, as expressed through our reflections, narratives, and actions" ( [7] p.4). Schulz's 3-Dimensional Model of Spirituality [7][8][9], which was used in this research, is based on that definition.…”

Measuring Spirituality, Religiosity, and Denial in Individuals Working in Funeral Service to Predict Death Anxiety

“…Both constructs have been the focus of study in the fields of nursing (Sherman, 1997;Theis, Biordi, Coeling, Nalepka, & Miller, 2003), bereavement (Furman, 2007;Leighton, 2008;Marrone, 1999), occupational therapy (Christiansen, 1997;Donica, 2008;Schultz, 2004), and rehabilitation and substance abuse counseling (Brooks, 2000;Green, Benshoff, & Harris-Forbes, 2001). Mental health professionals have also begun to look at the presence of high levels of spirituality and religiosity as an impetus for change in the counseling process (Duffy, 2006;Graham, Furr, Flowers, & Burke, 2001;Hall, Dixon, & Mauzey, 2004;Knox, Catlin, Casper, & Schlosser, 2005;Reiner, 2007;Stanard, Sandhu, & Painter, 2000;Wolf & Stevens, 2001).…”