The meaning of spirituality: a literature review

Abstract

This paper presents a literature review in relation to the meaning of spirituality. It is proposed that meeting the spiritual needs of patients is a fundamental part of providing holistic nursing care, but that the assessment and meeting of those needs is impeded by inadequate definitions and conceptual frameworks. It should not be assumed that spirituality is either synonymous, or coterminous, with religion, and it is suggested that to adopt this restrictive view is unhelpful in the provision of individualized care. Reflection on the literature reveals that the self, others and 'God' provide the key elements within a definition of spirituality, and that other emerging themes namely meaning, hope, relatedness/connectedness, beliefs/belief systems and expressions of spirituality, can be articulated in the context of those three key elements. In particular, it is proposed that the nature of 'God' may take many forms and, essentially, is whatever an individual takes to be of highest value in his/her life. It is suggested that the themes emerging from the literature can be utilized as a framework to give practitioners and researchers a direction for future exploration of the concept of spirituality.

Journeying with Morrie: Challenging Notions of Professional Delivery of Spiritual Care at the End of Life

“…With the assumption that spirituality is a fundamental dimension of the human person and of human experience, these professions are now emphasising spirituality as an essential element in their practice, with the nursing profession leading discussion of 'best practice' in this area (Dyson et al, 1997;McSherry, 2006;Tanyi, 2002). The application of theory to practice, however, appears to be fragmented, not least because meanings of spirituality and how these might inform the delivery of spiritual care remain a contested area (Peberdy, 2000).…”

History, Culture and Traditions: The Silent Spaces in the Study of Spirituality at the End of Life

“…Equally popular is the understanding that spirituality provides meaning and purpose to life and facilitates self-transcendence [2,12,17,18]. Spirituality involves relationship with God, others, nature and oneself [19][20][21]. A consensus conference proposed the following definition of spirituality, which attempts to bring these various dimensions together: "Spirituality is a dynamic and intrinsic aspect of humanity through which persons seek ultimate meaning, purpose, and transcendence, and experience relationship to self, family, others, community, society, nature, and the significant or sacred.…”

O significado do sofrimento do paciente oncológico: narrativas dos profissionais de saúde

“…A relação médico-paciente deve ser de confiança e o momento de revelar o diagnóstico deve ser marcado pelo início de uma grande esperança (Biasoli, 2000 As duas histórias mostraram a interação do profissional-paciente e o empenho para o sucesso do tratamento. Dyson et al (1997Dyson et al ( , p.1186 A fisioterapeuta, no final da história, conclui que alguns resultados do tratamento não são explicados no mundo científico.…”

“…O desejo de viver é maior naqueles que acreditam em si mesmos, nos outros e em Deus. O foco de bem estar espiritual está na relação entre esses três elementos (Dyson et al, 1997). Isso é abordado pela psicóloga como uma das estratégias que auxiliam na de enfrentamento do sofrimento do paciente.…”

“…Ela é fundamentada em recursos internos individuais, mas também pode requerer diferentes perspectivas, que variam com o contexto do indivíduo, pois a dimensão espiritual ocorre no contexto das comunidades na qual a pessoa está inserida (Dyson et al,1997). A quinta narrativa construída foi denominada: "Para ajudar o paciente e a família é preciso ter dom", e os personagens são as assistentes sociais Marta e Inês.…”