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Spirituality and/or religious faith: A means for coping with the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 April 2015

Mary R. O'brien Open the ORCID record for Mary R. O'brien [Opens in a new window]  and
David Clark
Mary R. O'brien*
Affiliation:
Reader in Health Research, Evidence-Based Practice Research Centre (EPRC), Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom
David Clark
Affiliation:
School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries Campus, Scotland, United Kingdom
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Mary R O'Brien, Evidence-Based Practice Research Centre (EPRC), Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, United KingdomL39 4QP. E-Mail: obrienm@edgehill.ac.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

The notion of spirituality/religious belief is recognized internationally as a domain within end-of-life care and is important in patients' and carers' quality-of-life. When faced with incurable illness, patients often become more philosophical about their life; many seek comfort in spiritual or religious philosophies. Our intention was to understand how personal spirituality and religious faith might help those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND) cope with their impending death.

Method:

Unsolicited narratives (internet and print-published) written by individuals diagnosed with the terminal condition of ALS/MND were analyzed thematically. Narratives from 161 individuals diagnosed with ALS/MND written over a period of 37 years (from 1968 to 2005) were included.

Results:

Our findings reveal that religious faith sustains and helps people to avoid despair, and personal spirituality helps them make sense of what is happening to them.

Significance of Results:

The use of personal narratives by people with ALS/MND has provided a vehicle for sharing their deepest spiritual and religious thoughts with others. The place of spirituality and religious faith within ALS/MND care should not be underestimated. Assessment of religious or spiritual needs should become a routine part of practice and is the responsibility of all members of the multidisciplinary team.

Keywords

SpiritualityReligious faithAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND)Written narrativesCoping
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 13 , Issue 6 , December 2015 , pp. 1603 - 1614
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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