A Conceptual Analysis of Spiritual Distress
Keywords:
spiritual distress, spirituality, conceptual analysisAbstract
Spiritual distress is a phenomenon frequently found in critical, chronic, and terminal patients. However, an extensive review of literature has revealed no conceptual analysis of spiritual distress, despite its significance to healthcare. To build a clear and profound understanding of the meaning and characteristics of spiritual distress, this study adopted Walker and Avant’s approach to conceptual analysis.
According to the conceptual analysis, major characteristics of spiritual distress included physical expression, psychological expression, loss of love and good relationship, loss of self-esteem, loss of meaning and purpose of life, and loss of inner strength. Antecedents of spiritual distress often include illnesses, mental health problems, internal conflicts, loss of loved or respected people, lack of social support, and lack of spiritual and religious practices. A common consequence of spiritual distress is the weakened ability to cope with problems. The results of this conceptual analysis could be applied to developing spiritual distress evaluation instruments, to conducting further relevant research, and to improving nursing practices to alleviate spiritual distress.
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