title: The role of spirituality in advance directive decision making among independent community dwelling older adults.
abstract: The purpose of this grounded theory study, based on Strauss and Corbin's (1998) grounded theory methodology, was to investigate the meaning, definition, and needs regarding the role of spirituality in end of life care among independent community dwelling older adults in relation to advance directive decision making (ADDM). Findings revealed that through the use of story telling, independent community dwelling older adults were able to define spirituality and describe the important role spirituality plays in everyday life and in ADDM. A theoretical model was constructed consisting of a mirrored basic social process, Spirituality as Connecting.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Kimball Tower, Buffalo, NY 14214-3079, USA. ls33@buffalo.edu
authors.forename: Loralee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sessanna
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives; D000368:Aged; D002835:Christianity; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009518:New York; D012112:Residential Facilities; D029181:Spirituality; D019452:Terminally Ill