A longitudinal examination of social support as a mediator of the personality-health relationship in a national sample of African Americans.

The present study investigates whether social support mediates the relationship between personality traits and health among African Americans over a five-year period, filling a gap in the literature on longitudinal tests of the personality-health association. Data were collected from a national probability sample of African American adults (N = 200). Personality was assessed at Time 1 (T1), social support was assessed 2.5 years later (T2), and physical functioning was examined 5 years (T3) after T1. Telephone surveys included measures of the Five Factor Model personality traits (T1), social support (T2), and physical functioning (T3). Results suggested that relationships between the T1 personality traits and T3 physical functioning were not mediated by T2 social support. Secondary analyses found that among all T1 personality traits, higher openness and lower neuroticism uniquely predicted higher T2 social support. Further, among T1 personality traits, higher conscientiousness uniquely predicted better T3 physical functioning. This information may be useful to healthcare providers and community members in developing prevention and intervention strategies for African Americans.

The meaning of spirituality for individuals with disabilities.

PURPOSE: To examine the experiences of people with disabilities regarding their spirituality and its meaning for them. This study asked: What are the differences in the meaning of spirituality in the lives of individuals with childhood onset disabilities when compared to those with adult onset disabilities? METHOD: This qualitative study involved semi-structured individual interviews of 12 adults, six with childhood onset and six with adult onset disabilities. Member checking of both transcribed data and open coding was done to ensure trustworthiness. Data was analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. RESULTS: Findings suggested that the two groups held different perceptions about the meaning of spirituality. For childhood onset participants, two categories of 'connecting and expressing for purpose and meaning in life', and 'disability as a vehicle to discover god's purpose' were generated. For adult onset participants, two categories of 'connecting and expressing through feelings and actions', and 'disability as a catalyst for spiritual awakening' were derived from the data. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with childhood and adult onset disabilities perceive and experience spirituality differently. Therefore, different approaches to using spirituality in practice need to be employed for the two groups. Suggestions are provided for incorporating spirituality into occupational therapy practice.

Spirituality and disability: an analysis of select themes.

This paper is a thematic analysis of the literature regarding spirituality, which is applied to the understanding of spirituality and disability. Implications for occupational therapy practice are suggested. The themes of "connectedness" and "expressiveness" as aspects of spirituality were generated from both the occupational therapy literature and literature from other health professions. A definition of spirituality is proposed by the author for use by the profession of occupational therapy, as follows: experiencing a meaningful connection to our core selves, other humans, the world, and/or a greater power as expressed through our reflections, narratives, and actions. Persons with disabilities described a sense of disconnectedness to others, to the world, and to a greater power. They expressed their spirituality through actions to rectify that sense of disconnection. This study suggests that further research is warranted that explores the scope of spirituality in the lives of individuals with disabilities and how spirituality relates to the theoretical and philosophical realm of occupational therapy.