Date of Degree

12-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program

Nursing

Advisor

Brenda S. Jackson

Advisor

Regina Aune

Advisor

Barbara Herlihy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify whether or not terminally ill hospitalized adults indicated greater spirituality and well-being than healthy non-hospitalized adults. Reed's (1986b & 1987) studies are the bases for this treaty although this is not a replicate study. The conceptual framework of this research is founded on the developmental life-span, and energy field patterns (Rogers, 1980) impacting spirituality and well-being. It was hypothesized that terminally ill hospitalized adults indicate greater spirituality than healthy nonhospitalized adults in a military environment. A terminally ill and healthy adult group of N=30, (n=15 each) were selected for a convenience sample. Four key variables: age, gender, education, and religious preference were investigated. All 30 participants completed two questionnaires: the Spiritual Perspective Scale and the Index of Well Being. A t-test of differences between the group means did not support the hypothesis t = .13, p < .90. The Pearson r coefficient product determined the relationship between spirituality and well-being. The SPS on the IWB was moderately positive between the two groups, but did not reach a statistically significant difference (r = .33, p < .08). Spirituality, although salient, is not as "transcendent" as it is perceived in this and other studies. There are areas that can be expressed and measured despite the dimensions of spirituality that are inexpressible. Spirituality and well—being are two inseparable entities in the healing process, and their impact on individuals' experiencing a terminal event can create energy field and environmental changes.

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