Impact Of Spiritual Beliefs On Patients Health Essay Example
Impact Of Spiritual Beliefs On Patients Health Essay Example

Impact Of Spiritual Beliefs On Patients Health Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (568 words)
  • Published: May 8, 2022
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Spirituality is often used to describe a relationship with a higher being or God, as well as the personal quest for understanding life, relationships, and the significance of the sacred or transcendent. The involvement of an external community in spiritual matters is not mandatory.

Spirituality encompasses various beliefs and practices that involve an individual's connection with the Creator. It includes personal convictions, acknowledging what is considered sacred, engaging in prayer, and contemplating the significance of life. Each individual possesses a spiritual aspect alongside their mental and physical being. Spiritual beliefs can play a crucial role in promoting healing.

Stories are circulating about individuals experiencing physical healing solely through the power of prayer. This phenomenon is observed across various cultures and impacts people from diverse backgrounds. The topic of spirituality in nursing is primarily influenced by Western viewpoints, which heavily d

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raw upon Judeo-Christian beliefs. However, there exists a lack of comprehension regarding the perception of spirituality among individuals from non-English cultures such as Taiwanese culture. It is widely acknowledged that spiritual beliefs and dependence on a higher authority play a crucial role in managing health difficulties. Consequently, many agnostic or atheistic individuals may disregard or downplay this aspect when facing challenges.

Compared to other physicians, psychiatrists in clinical settings are more likely to recognize the complex range of emotions related to spiritual matters. Numerous studies have shown that spirituality has a positive impact on psychiatry, with evidence linking it to improved physical and mental health outcomes. Research conducted in the United States, primarily with white participants, revealed that perceiving a "close and loving God" was associated with decreased psychiatric symptoms. Likewise, individuals who care for dementia patients reported reduced

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anger when they received social support and found spiritual meaning within their religious community. However, while most patients benefit from embracing spiritual beliefs, certain individuals may experience spiritual distress.

Patients who have severe congestive heart failure and wrestle with spiritual issues often experience longer hospital stays, decreased life satisfaction, reduced physical functioning, and heightened depression compared to those without religious conflicts. In elderly patients, depression and anxiety are associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes as well as a diminished quality of life. However, participating in church services or other spiritual practices can greatly benefit older patients by reducing stress and depression, lowering mortality rates, and providing various health advantages. Additionally, grappling with spiritual challenges independently predicts the mortality rate of medically ill elderly adult patients, regardless of demographic characteristics or mental/physical health status. Older patients who encounter spiritual occurrences generally demonstrate improved psychological well-being, increased social support, and somewhat enhanced physical health. It is important to note that spiritual beliefs play a crucial role in the process of recovering mental health.

This includes: both formal spiritual involvement and nonspiritual ways of discovering purpose and meaning in life. Both proponents of the model's strengths and mental health recovery recognize the importance of spiritual beliefs in the process of mental recovery.

References

  1. Koenig, H. G., George, L. K., & Titus, P. (2004). Religion, spirituality, and health in medically ill hospitalized older patients. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(4), 554-562.
  2. Miller, W. R., & Thoresen, C. E. (2003).

An emerging research field called the intersection of spirituality, religion, and health has been highlighted in the article "Spirituality, religion, and health: An emerging research field" by the American psychologist. This field

investigates how spirituality, religion, and one's well-being are interconnected.

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