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Spiritual and religious beliefs in acute illness--Is this a feasible area for study?

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  • King, Michael
  • Speck, Peter
  • Thomas, Angela

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the measurement of spiritual, religious and philosophical beliefs in patients admitted to hospital with acute physical illness. The discussion is based on the results of a preliminary study of the beliefs of 300 patients studied by face-to-face interview and questionnaire. Principal outcome measures at 6 months were self reported psychological and belief scores and physical state as reported in the medical records. Two thirds of patients reported a religious and/or spiritual belief system. Strength of belief was not associated with social, psychological or diagnostic factors. However, those patients with a religious and/or spiritual life view who expressed strong beliefs were likely to fare less well clinically. We conclude that empirical study of patients' beliefs is possible, though care must be exercised over the measures used. Beliefs were at least as predictive of outcome as other social and psychological factors. This area is of considerable importance to patients and should not be neglected by carers of researchers.

Suggested Citation

  • King, Michael & Speck, Peter & Thomas, Angela, 1994. "Spiritual and religious beliefs in acute illness--Is this a feasible area for study?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 631-636, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:38:y:1994:i:4:p:631-636
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael B. Whiteford, 2002. "Staying Healthy: Evangelism and Health Perception Differences by Gender in a Guatemalan Marketplace," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 583(1), pages 177-194, September.
    2. Klitzman, Robert L. & Daya, Shaira, 2005. "Challenges and changes in spirituality among doctors who become patients," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(11), pages 2396-2406, December.

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