The Role of Spiritual Experiences and Activities in the Relationship Between Chronic Illness and Psychological Well-Being.


Author: Ballew SH, Hannum SM, Gaines JM, Marx KA, Parrish JM.

Affiliation: Doctoral Program in Gerontology, University of Maryland, Baltimore and Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA, sballew@jhsph. edu.
Conference/Journal: J Relig Health.
Date published: 2011 May 21
Other:
  Word Count: 240  
    Abstract: Our research explores the correlates of

spiritual experiences over a 2-year period in a sample of older adults

(N = 164; mean age 81.9 years) living in a continuing care

retirement community. Utilizing responses to the Daily Spiritual Experiences

Scale, scores were analyzed for changes over time and for their hypothesized

moderating effect in the relationship between chronic illness impact and

markers of psychological well-being (as measured by the Geriatric Depression

and Life Satisfaction scales). Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant

decline (P < .01) in the reported spiritual experiences over a

2-year period of time, and t tests showed a significant difference by gender

(P < .01) in years 1 and 2, with women reporting higher levels of

spiritual experiences than men. Analyses found low spirituality scores

associated with low life satisfaction in all years (baseline:

r = -.288, P < .01; year 1: r = -.209,

P < .05; year 2: r = -.330, P < .001). Only

weak associations were detected between low spirituality and the presence of

depressive symptoms at baseline (r = .186, P < .05) and

year 2 (r = .254, P < .01). Moderation effects of

spirituality on the relationship between chronic illness impact and markers of

psychological well-being were explored in all years, with a statistically

significant effect found only for the presence of depressive symptoms in year

2. Higher impact of chronic illnesses is associated with more depressive

symptoms under conditions of low spirituality. Future research may center upon

longer-duration evaluation of reliance upon spiritual practices and their

impact in care management models.