Spirituality in nursing from a Japanese perspective.
The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of spirituality and its expression among persons in a Japanese farming community. It was found that spirituality was described as "living in harmony with nature and surrounding people." Common expressions of this spirituality were through faith and ways of worship, prayer, search for inner peace, hope and thanksgiving, including spiritual well-being. The latter was defined as showing thanks to nature, ancestors, and people; caring for surrounding people; and peacefully embracing the concept of death. To provide congruent spiritual care, it was suggested that nurses need to expand their own knowledge and understanding of spirituality; integrate spirituality in their nursing care; and improve communication with their clients and their families.
Shirahama
K
K
School of Nursing, Saga Medical School, Saga-city, Japan.
Inoue
E M
EM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D018939:Holistic Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012424:Rural Population; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires