The relationship between attachment, primary emotions and positive/negative spirituality: a path analysis.

Objective: The present study investigates what may influence individuals to experience their religiosity/spirituality as either subjectively positive [religious or spiritual (r/s) wellbeing] or as negative (r/s struggles). Drawing on existing literature attachment insecurity and the seven primary emotions as outlined by Jaak Panksepp in Affective Neuroscience are identified as likely influences. Methods: The final sample consisted of 340 participants (age: M = 36, SD = 14.2; 68.5% = female), among which 65% self-identified as religious/spiritual. A path analysis was conducted to test a proposed mediation model in which the expected effects of primary emotions (B-ANPS) on r/s wellbeing (MI-RSWB) and r/s struggles (RSSS) were mediated through attachment insecurity (ECR-RD8). Results: The data indicated that attachment insecurity fully mediated the relationships between the primary emotions SADNESS and LUST with r/s struggles. Furthermore, the primary emotions FEAR and ANGER displayed small direct effects on both r/s struggles and r/s wellbeing. Overall, the model, which demonstrated excellent model fit, was able to explain 30% of the variance of r/s struggles, 24% of attachment insecurity and 5% of r/s wellbeing. Conclusions: The findings suggest that primary emotions such as SADNESS and LUST substantially explain r/s struggles and that these relationships seem to be mediated through attachment. Moreover, r/s struggles seem to be qualitatively distinct from r/s wellbeing. Finally, a moderate link between LUST and attachment suggests that sexuality plays a significant role in (adult) attachment processes.

The use of spirituality/religiosity by oncology nurse residents in nursing care.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the use of spirituality/religiosity by oncology nurse residents in caring for patients with cancer. METHODS: a census, descriptive, sectional study, with 46 nurse residents from three public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. Data collection took place between August 2020 and January 2021, using a sociodemographic questionnaire, including a question about the use of spirituality/ religiosity to deal with work situations. Descriptive analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 22.0. RESULTS: participants stated that they use religiosity/spirituality in work situations related to patients or themselves. In relation to patients, death was the most mentioned situation among professionals, and for themselves, everyday situations and emotional vulnerability were the most mentioned. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: spirituality and religiosity are dimensions that guide oncology nurse residents' attitudes.

"Not me!" a qualitative, vignette-based study of nurses' and physicians' reactions to spiritual distress on neuro-oncological units.

PURPOSE: People with primary malignant brain tumors experience serious health-related suffering caused by limited prognosis and high symptom burden. Consequently, neuro-oncological healthcare workers can be affected emotionally in a negative way. The aim of this study was to analyze the attitudes and behavior of nurses and physicians when confronted with spiritual distress in these patients. METHODS: Neurospirit-DE is a qualitative vignette-based, multicenter, cross-sectional online survey that was conducted in Bavaria, Germany. Reflexive thematic analysis was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 143 nurses and physicians working in neurological and neurosurgical wards in 46 hospitals participated in the survey. The participants questioned if the ability to provide spiritual care can be learned or is a natural skill. Spiritual care as a responsibility of the whole team was highlighted, and the staff reflected on the appropriate way of involving spiritual care experts. The main limitations to spiritual care were a lack of time and not viewing spiritual engagement as part of the professional role. Some were able to personally benefit from spiritual conversations with patients, but many participants criticized the perceived emotional burden while expressing the imminent need for specific training and team reflection. CONCLUSIONS: Most neuro-oncological nurses and physicians perceive spiritual care as part of their duty and know how to alleviate the patient's spiritual distress. Nonetheless, validation of spiritual assessment tools for neuro-oncology and standardized documentation of patients' distress, shared interprofessional training, and reflection on the professional and personal challenges faced when confronted with spiritual care in neuro-oncology require further improvement and training.

Negotiating and Struggling for a New Life: Stigma, Spirituality, and Coping Strategies of People Living with HIV in Myanmar.

Although enacted and internalized stigma is a continuing problem for people living with HIV (PLWH) in Southeast Asia, there is little understanding of how PLWH cope with discrimination, exclusion, and other negative outcomes caused by HIV-related stigmatization. This article aims to bridge this gap by analyzing the lived experiences of HIV-related stigmatization and coping strategies among 30 people with HIV in Myanmar, a country heavily influenced by religion, especially Buddhism. Among the 30 study participants, 20 were female and 10 were male, with ages ranging from 18 to 50 years. Through the lens of Bourdieu's concepts of habitus, field, and capital, this article first elucidates the various forms of stigmatization in family, work, social, and other settings as symbolic violence on people with HIV. The present article shows that spirituality serves as a perceptual and action framework for people with HIV to generate reflexivity toward their HIV infection and related stigmatization and to further engage in agentic responses. More importantly, this article demonstrates how people with HIV draw on spirituality to support peers in reclaiming control over their lives and how they are perceived by society. The findings indicate that the local context, especially cultural and religious resources, should be considered when developing interventions to mitigate HIV-related stigmatization in Southeast Asia.

Spiritual needs of women with breast cancer: A structural equation model.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a structural equation model (SEM) to explore the factors influencing the spiritual needs of breast cancer patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the breast surgery department of a tertiary hospital in China from September 2020 to December 2020; convenience sampling and questionnaires were used to facilitate sampling and data collection. A total of 220 female breast cancer patients were included in the study. The data were analysed using multiple linear regression and structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Compared with patients with other diseases, patients with breast cancer have greater spiritual needs (76.16 ± 13.19). Multivariate analysis revealed that religious beliefs, education level, social support, and resilience are important factors affecting the mental health of women with cancer (p < 0.05). The structural equation model fit well (RMSEA = 0.056, χ2p = 0.002). Social support directly affected spiritual needs (ß = 0.607, p < 0.001) and indirectly affected spiritual needs through resilience (ß = 0.353, p < 0.001). Resilience directly affected spiritual needs (ß = 0.386, p < 0.05). Education level indirectly affected spiritual needs through social support (ß = 0.307, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides a theoretical basis for intervention measures to improve the spiritual needs of female breast cancer patients. Paying more attention to social support and resilience may help solve the problem of meeting the high spiritual needs of breast cancer patients. Further research is needed to develop interventions.

The relationship between spiritual health and COVID-19 anxiety among nurses: a national online cross-sectional study.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has created many concerns in most countries. Nurses are among healthcare workers who are largely engaged in providing care to COVID-19 patients, which makes nurses prone to disease-related worries and stresses. Thus, it is essential to identify the factors which may alleviate their stress and anxiety. This study aimed to determine the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and spiritual health among Iranian nurses. This cross-sectional online survey was conducted between March 2020 and January 2021 on 919 Iranian nurses who worked in healthcare centers in Iran during the COVID-19 outbreak. The participants were recruited by convenience sampling Method. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Ellison's standard Spiritual Well-Being (SWB) Scale, and the standard scale of Corona Disease Anxiety. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Of the participants, 47.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 43.7-50.2%) had moderate to severe anxiety. The mean score of spiritual health was 73.3 ± 12.5. The multiple linear model indicated a significant negative correlation with a medium effect size between SWB and COVID-19 anxiety levels in a way that for 10 units increase in the SWB was associated with 2.72 units decrease in anxiety score (Adjusted partial r = - 0.320, p < 0.001). The findings revealed a reverse significant relationship between spiritual health and COVID-19 anxiety. On the other hand, nurses with better spiritual health experienced a lower level of COVID-19 anxiety. Therefore, improving spiritual health could help decrease nurses' anxiety during COVID-19.

The relationship between spiritual health and quality of life among COVID-19 patients with long-term complications in the post-coronavirus era.

Objective: COVID-19 has varied manifestations and can cause complications that affect quality of life. Spiritual health may be a source of adaptation for these patients. This study investigated the relationship between spiritual health and quality of life among COVID-19 patients with long-term complications in the post-coronavirus era. Participants/methods: This study enrolled 475 COVID-19 patients through convenience sampling from medical facilities located in the Central Province of Iran. Data collection occurred between November 2022 and July 2023. A demographic checklist was utilized to ascertain the presence of potential COVID-19 complications. Patients exhibiting at least one long-term complication of COVID-19 were classified into the group with complications, while those without such complications were categorized into the group without complications. Subsequently, spiritual health and quality of life were assessed utilizing Paloutzian and Ellison's Spiritual Well-Being Scale and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-20. Results: The mean scores of spiritual well-being and quality of life for participants without COVID-19 complications were 70.87 ± 22.44 and 61.30 ± 18.33, respectively. In contrast, the mean spiritual health scores and quality of life for participants with COVID-19 complications were 41.20 ± 12.49 and 33.66 ± 1.46, respectively. Moreover, spiritual well-being was positively associated with quality of life among COVID-19 patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates that COVID-19 complications can impair patients' spiritual health and quality of life, leaving them vulnerable and distressed. However, patients with higher spiritual health can cope better and enjoy a higher quality of life, despite challenges. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of patients with COVID-19 complications and providing them with adequate support and care.

The relationship between spiritual well-being and surgical fear in elderly patients with gonarthrosis.

BACKGROUND: Gonarthrosis is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterised by prolonged pain, affecting ~10% of men and 18% of women aged 60 and older worldwide. Surgical interventions are commonly employed in patients with gonarthrosis to minimise disability, alleviate pain, and improve overall quality of life. However, surgical treatment remains a feared experience. This study was conducted to identify the levels of spiritual well-being and surgical anxiety in elderly patients diagnosed with gonarthrosis who are scheduled for surgical intervention. The aim was to examine the relationship between these factors and identify influencing elements. METHODS: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted between September 2022 and June 2023 in the orthopaedics and traumatology service of a state hospital, involving 105 patients aged 65 and above with gonarthrosis and admitted for treatment. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Surgical Fear Questionnaire, and Three-Factor Spiritual Well-being Scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistical tests, Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: The short-term surgical fear of patients was 11.69 ± 7.55, the long-term surgical fear was 10.70 ± 9.53, and the total surgical fear was 22.40 ± 14.69 points, indicating a low level. Single and inexperienced elderly patients had higher levels of surgical fear (P < 0.05). The spiritual well-being levels of elderly patients (transcendence, 59.65 ± 12.20; harmony with nature, 29.10 ± 4.65; anomy, 26.34 ± 5.28; total score, 115.10 ± 17.83) were high. The spiritual well-being levels of elderly individuals whose income matched their expenses were higher (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant negative relationship between the level of anomy in elderly patients with gonarthrosis and surgical fear (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients with planned surgical interventions for gonarthrosis. It was determined that the levels of surgical fear were low, and the levels of spiritual well-being were high. The study identified that the level of anomy had an impact on surgical fear. It is recommended that healthcare professionals be aware of the influence of spiritual well-being on surgical fear and provide spiritual support to elderly patients.

Mobilizing Meaning: Religion and Spirituality Among Future Generations.

Religion and spirituality have long been known to impact both physical and mental health. Considering religion and spirituality as possible additions to social determinants of health, this article examines the current state of religion and spirituality in the United States and also discusses the ways in which they can contribute to the mental health of children and adolescents. Further, this article also discusses new approaches within religion and spirituality to address the changing needs of future generations.

Spirituality, Religiosity, and Mental Health in Patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: A Brazilian Multicentric Case-Control Study.

No published studies have investigated the correlation between religiosity, spirituality, mental health, and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) or systemic autoimmune myopathy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between religiosity/spirituality, sociodemographic factors, and the mental health of IIM patients. This is a multicenter case-control study that included 151 patients with IIMs and 95 individuals without autoimmune diseases (controls), held between August 2022 and April 2023. This study used a semi-structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic information and the juxtaposition of the following questionnaires: the Attitudes Related to Spirituality Scale (ARES); the Duke University Religion Index (DUKE), which is composed of the organizational religious affiliation (ORA), non-organizational religious affiliation (NORA), and intrinsic religiosity (IR) domains; and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Data were analyzed using Epi Info software 7.2.5 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA). A comparison between the mean values of the ARES, DUKE, and GHQ-12 scales was made using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A logistic regression test was used with the variables whose difference was statistically significant in the univariate analysis. Correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman rho coefficient. A higher prevalence of evangelicals and a lower prevalence of Catholics (p < 0.050) were seen in the IIM group compared to controls. Positive association was demonstrated between IIMs and the pardo ethnicity (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.20-4.25, p = 0.011), highest ORA (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.53-5.15, p < 0.001), NORA (OR = 3.99, 95% CI = 1.94-8·18, p < 0.001), IR (OR = 5.27, 95% CI = 2.32-11.97, p < 0.001), and ARES values (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04-1.13, p < 0.001). Mental health levels were compared between the groups (p > 0.999). Therefore, higher levels of religiosity and spirituality were observed in the IIM group than in the control group, but there was a similar distribution of mental health levels. The following can be cited as advantages of the present study: (i) the large sample for a rare disease with the presence of a control group; (ii) the multicenter characteristic with participation from three regions of Brazil; (iii) being the first study to map aspects of religiosity, spirituality, and mental health in IIMs.

Is there an association among spirituality, resilience and empathy in medical students?

BACKGROUND: Spirituality has religious and nonreligious dimensions and is often linked to well-being, positive emotions, connection and meaning in life. Both empathy and resilience are important in medical training and future professional practice since they are considered core skills related to professionalism and patient care. Our study aimed to understand the relationships among spirituality, resilience, and empathy in medical students. We also aimed to determine whether there are differences by gender and between medical students in different years of a medical program. METHODS: Medical students (n = 1370) of the first to fourth years of a six-year medical program, from six medical schools, completed questionnaires to assess empathy (Jefferson Empathy Scale and Davis Multidimensional Interpersonal Reactivity Scale) and resilience (Wagnild & Young Scale) and to rate their spirituality. RESULTS: Medical students with high spirituality showed higher scores for both resilience and empathy (p < 0.001). In addition, we observed higher levels of both spirituality and empathy, but not resilience, in female medical students than in male medical students. In contrast, we did not detect significant differences in spirituality, empathy, or resilience between students in different years of medical school. CONCLUSION: Medical students with high levels of spirituality have also higher scores for both empathy and resilience. Spirituality, empathy and resilience have similar values for students in different years of a medical program.

The chain mediating effect of spiritual well-being and anticipatory grief between benefit finding and meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer: Empirical research quantitative.

AIM: This study aimed to explore the chain mediating effect of spiritual well-being and anticipatory grief between benefit finding and meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: The research included 400 patients with advanced lung cancer who attended REDACTE from December 2022 to August 2023 as the research subjects. Data were collected using a questionnaire including socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being scale (FACIT-Sp-12), the Benefit Finding Scale (BFS), the Preparatory Grief in Advanced Cancer Patients Scale (PGAC), and the Meaning of Life Questionnaire (MLQ). The structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyse the relationship between benefit finding, spiritual well-being, anticipatory grief and meaning in life. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between benefit finding, spiritual well-being, anticipatory grief, and meaning in life. Benefit finding could have a direct positive impact on meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer, but it could also indirectly affect meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer through three pathways: the mediating effect of spiritual well-being, the mediating effect of anticipatory grief and the chain mediating effect of spiritual well-being and anticipatory grief. Nursing staff should develop an integrated program of interventions to enhance the meaning in life of patients with advanced lung cancer.

How nurses can apply spiritual care to improve the daily lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.

BACKGROUND: Most UK nursing research into spirituality overlooks its daily application in certain specialties, notably learning disability nursing. AIMS: Tz explore spirituality over the lifespans of people with learning disabilities and how spiritual care affects their quality of life. To provide practical examples for nurses on how to apply spiritual care in their daily practice. METHODS: A literature review conducted between January 2002 and July 2022) following recommendations from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Thomas and Harden's (2008) approach to thematic synthesis was used to structure 10 full-text articles into three key themes. FINDINGS: The three key themes were: the role of the nurse, the impacts on the individual, and family/carer perspectives. CONCLUSION: The nursing role in using spiritual care encompasses care planning an individual's spiritual activities, facilitating time alone, nurturing values such as self-acceptance, building therapeutic relationships, and advocating for progression in existing social structures and legislation.

Spiritual intelligence: a scoping review on the gateway to mental health.

Spiritual Intelligence (SI) is an independent concept from spirituality, a unifying and integrative intelligence that can be trained and developed, allowing people to make use of spirituality to enhance daily interaction and problem solving in a sort of spirituality into action. To comprehensively map and analyze current knowledge on SI and understand its impact on mental health and human interactions, we conducted a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, searching for 'spiritual intelligence' across PubMedCentral, Scopus, WebOfScience, and PsycInfo. Quantitative studies using validated SI instruments and reproducible methodologies, published up to 1 January 2022, were included. Selected references were independently assessed by two reviewers, with any disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Data were extracted using a data extraction tool previously developed and piloted. From this search, a total of 69 manuscripts from 67 studies were included. Most studies (n = 48) were conducted in educational (n = 29) and healthcare (n = 19) settings, with the Spiritual Intelligence Self Report Inventory (SISRI-24) emerging as the predominant instrument for assessing SI (n = 39). Analysis revealed several notable correlations with SI: resilience (n = 7), general, mental, and spiritual health (n = 6), emotional intelligence (n = 5), and favorable social behaviors and communication strategies (n = 5). Conversely, negative correlations were observed with burnout and stress (n = 5), as well as depression and anxiety (n = 5). These findings prompt a discussion regarding the integration of the SI concept into a revised definition of health by the World Health Organization and underscore the significance of SI training as a preventative health measure.

Main findings: This scoping review of Spiritual Intelligence found positive correlations with resilience, general, mental and spiritual health, emotional intelligence, and favourable social behaviours and communication strategies, and negative correlations with burnout, stress, depression, and anxiety.Added knowledge: Spiritual Intelligence is an all-inclusive way to approach spirituality from a practical, daily problem-solving perspective that can be trained with several benefits for personal overall health, while also fostering substantial personal growth in social behaviors and skills.Global health impact for policy and action: Spiritual Intelligence training is urgently needed and should be integrated into global educational programs from early childhood as a health promotion strategy aiming to foster a more resilient and compassionate society.

Breast cancer cultural representations: a scoping review. / Representações culturais do câncer de mama: uma revisão de escopo.

This article aims to map the global scientific production on social or cultural representations and breast cancer in Public Health and discuss how it is presented in the literature. We conducted a scoping review guided by the question: "How are cultural or social representations in the context of breast cancer described in the global scientific Public Health production?". We searched for works in five scientific literature sources and included 45 studies. The analytical process followed the content analysis technique in the thematic modality. The analyzed collection can be thematized into the following categories: (1) Compromised body image and interactions, (2) Spirituality, (3) Loss of control over life, (4) Going on with life, and (5) Association with ethnic-racial issues. Despite advances in biomedicine, we observed that representations of breast cancer still have metaphors associated with cancer in the last century. We conclude that, among other aspects, care for women with breast cancer cannot be guided only by biomedical and epidemiological approaches since this disease is traversed by knowledge that competes with these approaches.

O objetivo deste artigo é mapear a produção científica global sobre representações sociais ou culturais e câncer de mama no campo da saúde coletiva e discutir como esse fenômeno se apresenta na literatura. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo, tendo como norte a seguinte pergunta: "Como representações culturais ou sociais no contexto do câncer de mama são descritas na produção científica global no âmbito da saúde coletiva?". As buscas foram realizadas em cinco fontes de literatura científica, sendo incluídos 45 estudos. O tratamento analítico seguiu a técnica de análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática. O acervo analisado pode ser tematizado nas seguintes categorias: (1) Comprometimento na imagem corporal e nas interações; (2) Espiritualidade; (3) Perda do controle da vida; (4) Seguir com a vida e (5) Associação a questões étnico-raciais. Apesar dos avanços da biomedicina, observa-se que nas representações do câncer de mama ainda permanecem metáforas associadas ao câncer no século passado. Conclui-se que, dentre outros aspectos, a atenção a mulheres com câncer de mama não pode ser pautada apenas pelas abordagens biomédica e epidemiológica, uma vez que essa doença é atravessada por saberes que competem com essas abordagens.

Midwifery students' spiritual and ethical values and their views and attitudes towards uterine transplantation: A qualitative study.

This qualitative study was conducted to examine the relationship between Muslim midwives' spiritual values and ethical orientations and their attitudes towards uterine transplantation. The phenomenological study sample group consisted of students in the Midwifery undergraduate programme of a public university in Istanbul (n:26). The data were collected in semi-structured focus group interviews. It was among the student midwives, it was determined that some students rejected uterine transplantation with thoughts such as "I am a Muslim, according to my religious belief, I should go to the grave without damaging my organs" or "This transplantation is not a vital necessity", as well as students who considered uterine transplantation as religious and ethically appropriate. It was determined that midwife candidates who will provide reproductive health services have different ethical and moral views regarding uterus transplantation, and there are some who see this method as religiously acceptable, and there are also students who emphasize that it is not suitable for Islam. In addition, training programs are planned to increase students' awareness and knowledge on this subject, aiming to be beneficial to the women they will care for in the future.

Cette étude qualitative a été menée pour examiner la relation entre les valeurs spirituelles et les orientations éthiques des sages-femmes musulmanes et leurs attitudes à l'égard de la transplantation utérine. Le groupe échantillon de l'étude phénoménologique était composé d'étudiants du programme de premier cycle de sages-femmes d'une université publique d'Istanbul (n : 26). Les données ont été recueillies lors d'entretiens de groupe semi-structurés. Parmi les étudiantes sages-femmes, il a été déterminé que certaines étudiantes rejetaient la transplantation utérine avec des pensées telles que "Je suis musulmane, selon ma croyance religieuse, je devrais aller dans la tombe sans endommager mes organes" ou "Cette transplantation n'est pas une nécessité vitale", ainsi que des étudiants qui considéraient la transplantation utérine comme religieusement et éthiquement appropriée. Il a été déterminé que les candidates sages-femmes qui fourniront des services de santé reproductive ont des opinions éthiques et morales différentes concernant la transplantation d'utérus. Certaines personnes considèrent cette méthode comme religieusement acceptable, et d'autres étudiants soulignent qu'elle n'est pas adaptée à l'Islam. De plus, des programmes de formation sont prévus pour accroître la sensibilisation et les connaissances des étudiants sur ce sujet, dans le but d'être bénéfiques aux femmes dont elles s'occuperont à l'avenir.

The twisted path to sacredness: a grounded theory study of irrational religious orientation and its psycho-sociological implications.

This research delves into the nuances, origins, and societal effects of irrational religious orientations within China's Generation Z, employing grounded theory methodology for a comprehensive analysis. The focus is on those born between 1995 and 2010, a demographic raised amidst rapid information technology growth and significantly influenced by digitalization and globalization. The study identifies three primary dimensions of irrational religious orientations in Generation Z: religious spiritual dependence, religious instrumental tendency, and religious uniqueness identity. These are shaped by factors such as the overwhelming influx of information via digital media, societal pressures and psychological dilemmas, conflicts in values and identity crises, as well as feelings of social isolation and the need for group belonging. To address these trends, the study suggests several interventions: enhancing multicultural and values education, implementing stricter online information regulation and literacy programs, boosting mental health awareness and support, and fostering engagement in social and cultural activities. These recommendations are essential for comprehensively understanding and effectively responding to the irrational religious orientations of Generation Z, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and healthy development.

Spiritual health under the wartime: existential aspects.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To study the spiritual health in existential dimensions, as well as the meaning, value, and emotional components of spiritual health of Ukrainians under the wartime. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The theoretical and methodological framework of the paper is represented by the works of scholars in classical existentialism, contemporary philosophers, psychologists, medical psychologists, theologians, sociologists, etc. The complex nature of the issue necessitated the use of interdisciplinary approaches, philosophical, general scientific and special sociological methods of gathering, processing and analyzing information. RESULTS: Results: The article analyzes the perception of spirituality and spiritual health related to mental and social aspects in the philosophy of classical existentialism and existential-humanistic psychology. The paper justifies the heuristic potential of these approaches for maintaining spiritual health of Ukrainians, which is based on holistic approaches to human beings and their spiritual frames. The article represents the results of sociological research by the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Scientific Research Institute of Social and Economic Development of the City, and a survey of the PhD students of the Bogomolets National Medical University (N=103) made by the authors, representing the results of statistical treatment of the spiritual health characteristics: emotional, value and meaning components. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The study has shown that the deterioration of mental health indicators of Ukrainians during the war is not accompanied by corresponding negative trends in their spiritual health. However, further research on this issue is necessary, including studies among respondents from other age groups (faculty, staff of the Bogomolets National Medical University).

Multidimensional Religiousness and Spirituality Are Associated With Lower Interleukin-6 and C-Reactive Protein at Midlife: Findings From the Midlife in the United States Study.

BACKGROUND: Religiousness and spirituality (R/S) are associated with lower morbidity and mortality, yet the physiological mechanisms underlying these associations are under-studied. Chronic inflammation is a plausible biological mechanism linking R/S to downstream health given the sensitivity of the immune system to the social environment and the role of inflammation in many chronic diseases. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine associations between multiple R/S dimensions and two markers of chronic inflammation, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data came from biological subsamples of two cohorts from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study (combined N = 2,118). Predictors include six R/S measures (service attendance, spirituality, private religious practices, daily spiritual experiences, religious coping, and R/S-based mindfulness). Outcomes include log-transformed IL-6 and CRP. Covariates include age, gender, cohort, race, educational attainment, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and physical activity. RESULTS: Older adults, women (vs. men), non-White (vs. White) adults, those with higher BMIs, current smokers, and those not meeting physical activity guidelines had significantly higher IL-6 and CRP. In fully adjusted models, greater spirituality, daily spiritual experiences, religious coping, and R/S-based mindfulness were associated with lower IL-6. Higher spirituality was also associated with lower CRP. CONCLUSIONS: Many dimensions of R/S may be health protective for adults given their associations with lower levels of chronic inflammation. Findings underscore the importance of examining multiple dimensions of R/S to understand mechanistic pathways.

People who are religious and spiritual are often healthier and live longer than people who are less religious and spiritual. Researchers are trying to understand why. We know that religiousness and spirituality can help people manage stress and make healthy choices, which might contribute to less chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can lead to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. This study examined data from over 2,000 participants of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study to determine whether midlife and older adults who are more religious and spiritual have less chronic inflammation. People who reported greater spirituality, more frequent spiritual experiences, use their religious/spiritual beliefs to cope with stressors, and use their religion/spirituality to practice mindfulness had lower inflammation than individuals who had less of these religious/spiritual characteristics. These findings are important because they provide knowledge about which dimensions of religiousness and spirituality are connected to health and present a biological pathway (bodily inflammation) that connects religiousness and spirituality to chronic diseases.

Perceptions of spirituality and predictors of competence in spiritual care among nursing students in five middle eastern countries: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Spiritual Care is integral to holistic nursing; however, it often remains underprovided due to a lack of education. OBJECTIVE: This study examined perceptions of spirituality and predictors of competence in spiritual care among nursing students in Middle Eastern countries. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was used. PARTICIPANT/SETTING: Nursing students (n = 785) from five universities in Middle Eastern countries were included. METHODS: Participants completed the Spiritual Care-Giving Scale-Arabic and Spiritual Care Competency Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of perceived competence in spiritual care. RESULTS: Nursing students showed positive attitudes towards spirituality, with a mean score of 5.1 (SD = 0.60) on the Spiritual Care-Giving Scale-Arabic. However, their perceived competence in providing spiritual care was low to moderate with a mean score of 79.0 (SD = 32.0) on the Spiritual Care Competency Scale. The bivariate analysis indicated significant relationships between students' spiritual care competence and gender, previous exposure to spirituality education, willingness to undergo spirituality training, and total spirituality score. Finally, significant predictors of higher competence included regular admission status, prior spiritual education, willingness to undergo spiritual care training, and higher personal spirituality scores. CONCLUSION: Nursing students in the Middle East have positive attitudes towards spirituality, but low to moderate competence in providing spiritual care. The influence of personal spirituality on competence underscores the importance of fostering a supportive environment for students to reflect on their beliefs. Comprehensive curriculum revisions and training programs, along with the recognition of the impact of personal spirituality, are essential to prepare future nurses for holistic people's care.