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

O'Brien, M. R. and Clark, D. (2015) Spirituality and/or religious faith: a means for coping with the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease? Palliative and Supportive Care, 13(6), pp. 1603-1614. (doi: 10.1017/S1478951515000097) (PMID:25851240)

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Clark, Professor David
• Authors: O'Brien, M. R., and Clark, D.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: Palliative and Supportive Care
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 1478-9515
• ISSN (Online): 1478-9523