A Philosophical Analysis of Spiritual Coping

ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2020 Jul/Sep;43(3):239-250. doi: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000323.

Abstract

Utilizing Whall and associates' philosophical analysis method, the concept of spiritual coping was critically evaluated to determine the relevance of this concept to nursing science. Studies were included in the literature review if participants were 55 years and older, as this cohort has reported using more spiritual coping strategies than younger cohorts. Twenty-four articles were reviewed and revealed 3 recurrent themes: enhanced physical, psychological, and social well-being, resilience, and self-transcendence. Support for the relevance of spiritual coping to nursing science was found, as these themes were easily placed within the context of 3 postmodern philosophical approaches and multiple extant nursing theories.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Holistic Nursing / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Religion and Medicine
  • Self Concept
  • Spirituality*