Spirituality: Concept Analysis

Oh, Pok Ja; Kang, Kyoung Ah

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the concept spirituality and to gain understanding of nursing intervention that may improve spiritual well-being. The concept analysis framework developed by Walker and Avant (1995) was used to clarify the concept. In the study, 'Harmonious Interconnectedness', 'Transcendence', 'Integrative Energy' and 'Purpose and Meaning in Life' emerged as the critical attributes of spirituality. The first attribute, 'harmonious Inter- connectedness', has three categories including intrapersonal, (self), interpersonal (others/ nature) and transpersonal (the Supreme Being). The second attribute, 'Transcendence', is defined as the ability to extend one's own self beyond the limits of usual experiences and to achieve new perspectives. This attribute is demonstrated by 'coping with situations', to 'self-healing', and 'transformation'. The third attribute of spirituality is 'Integrative Energy', which integrates all dimensions and acts as a creative and dynamic force that keeps a person growing and changing. 'Integrative Energy is also defined as an inner resource that gives a sense of empowerment. Therefore the highly spiritual person demonstrate 'inner peace', 'growing', 'inner strength,' and 'well-being'. The fourth attribute 'Purpose and Meaning in Life' represents a sense of connectedness with one's inner values and with a greater purpose in life. It is demonstrated by 'hope' and 'a powerful life'. In this study, the antecedents of the spirituality represented as 'spirit' and its potential enablers were 'Introspection/reflection', 'Interconnectedness with all living things', and an 'Awareness of a Higher-Power'. The consequences of this concept may be described as 'physical, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being'. Empirical referents of this are 'purposeful life' 'self-worth' 'hope' 'love' 'service' 'forgiveness' 'trust/belief' 'inner peace' 'self-actualization' 'religious practices' 'transformation' 'inner strength' and 'coping'. In conclusion, spirituality can be defined based on these critical attributes. Spirituality is a dynamic, integrative energy based on a feeling of harmonious interconnection with self, others and a higher power. Through it, one is enabled to transcend and to live with meaning and purpose in life.