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Cited by 51Religion, Spirituality, and PsychologyPalliative and Oncologic CarePalliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

“To Cherish Each Day as it Comes”: a qualitative study of spirituality among persons receiving palliative care

Asgeirsdottir, Gudlaug Helga, Sigurbjörnsson, Einar, Traustadottir, Rannveig, Sigurdardottir, Valgerdur, Gunnarsdottir, Sigridur, Kelly, Ewan·2013·Supportive Care in Cancer
DOI 10.1007/s00520-012-1690-6
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Abstract

Purpose Spirituality is one of the main aspects of palliative care. The concept is multidimensional and encompasses the existential realm as well as value-based and religious considerations. The aim of this study was to explore spirituality from the perspective of persons receiving palliative care and examine their experience of spirituality and its influence on their lives and well-being.Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten persons receiving palliative care from Palliative Care Services in Iceland. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed. The study is in the field of practical theology and used the theoretical approach of hermeneutical phenomenology.Results Thematic analysis found that the spiritual dimension was of significance for the participants who understood it as a vital element connected to seeking meaning, purpose and transcendence in life. Religious and non-religious aspects of spirituality were expressed including strong spiritual components of family relationships, the meaning of God/a higher being and spiritual practices which served as a key factor in giving strength, activating inner resources and motivating hope. Nine of the participants expressed their spirituality as faith.Conclusions Spirituality was experienced broadly as an important dimension of how participants lived with terminal illness. Religious and non-religious characteristics were recognised which reveals the complex nature of the phenomenon. Faith was a significant part of the participants' spirituality indicating the importance of attending to this aspect of palliative care. The study suggests the potential contributions of theological approaches which are relevant for palliative care research and practice.

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Authors
Asgeirsdottir, G. H., Sigurbjörnsson, E., Traustadottir, R., Sigurdardottir, V., Gunnarsdottir, S., & Kelly, E.
Affiliations
  • University of Iceland (IS)
  • NHS Education for Scotland (GB)
Venue
Supportive Care in Cancer
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2013-01-04
Volume
21
Issue
5
Pages
1445-1451
ISSN
  • 0941-4355 (ISSN-L)
  • 1433-7339
DOI
10.1007/s00520-012-1690-6
OpenAlex
W1983511838
Cited by
51
References
24
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 1
FWCI
7.59
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Supportive Care in Cancer (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Hirsla (Landspítali University Hospital) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Palliative and Oncologic Care
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
Keywords
spirituality, palliative care, terminal illness, meaning and purpose, transcendence, faith, spiritual practice, family relationships, hope, well-being, existential concerns
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Iceland, Interview, Psychological, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Palliative Care, Religion, Spirituality

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