Bienestar espiritual y su influencia en el perdón, la gratitud y la resiliencia en estudiantes universitarios de Lima (Perú)

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la influencia del bienestar espiritual en la gratitud, el perdón y la resiliencia en estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Lima. Se utilizó un diseño explicativo con variables latentes. La muestra estuvo conformada por 957 estudiantes universitarios (29.5 % varones y 70.5 % mujeres, de 13 universidades (públicas 22.36 % y privadas 77.64 %) de Lima Metropolitana. Se utilizaron la Escala de Bienestar Espiritual (SWBS), la Escala de Disposición al Perdón (TFS), la Escala de Gratitud (EG) y la Escala Breve de Resiliencia (EBR). Entre los hallazgos se encontró que el modelo estimado con el método DWLS permite señalar que el bienestar espiritual tiene efectos directos sobre el perdón, la gratitud y la resiliencia. A su vez, la covarianza entre perdón y gratitud fue .090 (p > .05), entre perdón y resiliencia de .236 (p < .01), y entre gratitud y resiliencia fue igual a .122 (p < .01). Se discuten las implicancias de los resultados.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a influência do bem-estar espiritual na gratidão, perdão e resiliência em estudantes universitários da cidade de Lima. Foi utilizado um desenho explicativo com variáveis latentes. A amostra foi composta por 957 estudantes universitários (29,5 % homens e 70,5 % mulheres) de 13 universidades (22,36 % públicas e 77,64 % privadas) de Lima Metropolitana. Foram utilizadas a Escala de Bem-Estar Espiritual (SWBS), a Escala de Disposição ao Perdão (TFS), a Escala de Gratidão (EG) e a Escala Breve de Resiliência (EBR). Entre os achados, encontrou-se que o modelo estimado com o método DWLS permite indicar que o bem-estar espiritual tem efeitos diretos sobre o perdão, gratidão e resiliência. Por sua vez, a covariância entre perdão e gratidão foi de .090 (p > .05), entre perdão e resiliência de .236 (p < .01) e entre gratidão e resiliência foi igual a .122 (p < .01). As implicações dos resultados foram discutidas.

This study aimed to determine the influence of spiritual well-being on gratitude, forgiveness, and resilience in university students in the city of Lima. An explanatory design with latent variables was used. The sample consisted of 957 university students (29.5 % men and 70.5 % women from 13 universities (22.36% public and 77.64 % private)), from Metropolitan Lima. The Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (SWBS), the Trait Forgivingness Scale (TFS), the Gratitude Scale (GS), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) were used. Among the findings, it was found that the model estimated with the DWLS method allows us to point out that spiritual well-being directly affects forgiveness, gratitude, and resilience. In turn, the covariance between forgiveness and gratitude was .090 (p > .05), the covariance between forgiveness and resilience was .236 (p < .01), and the covariance between gratitude and resilience was equal to .122 (p < .01). The implications of the results have been discussed.

Spiritual care interventions for palliative care patients: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and map spiritual care interventions to address spiritual needs and alleviate suffering of patients in the context of palliative care. METHODS: A scoping review using the PRISMA ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist was conducted according to the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) guidelines. The search was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 using 9 electronic databases and gray literature. Studies on spiritual care interventions in palliative care were included. Disagreements between the 2 reviewers were resolved by discussion or a third reviewer. RESULTS: A total of 47 studies were included in this review. All selected articles were published between 2003 and 2022. In total, 8 types of spiritual care interventions were identified to assess spiritual needs and/or alleviate suffering: conversations between the patient and a team member, religious practice interventions, therapeutic presence, guided music therapy, multidisciplinary interventions, guided meditation, art therapy, and combined interventions with multiple components such as music, art, integrative therapy, and reflection. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Our study identified few spiritual care interventions in palliative care worldwide. Although this review noted a gradual increase in studies, there is a need to improve the reporting quality of spiritual care interventions, so they can be replicated in other contexts. The different interventions identified in this review can be a contribution to palliative care teams as they provide a basis for what is currently being done internationally to alleviate suffering in palliative care and what can be improved. No patient or public contribution was required to design or undertake this methodological research.

Investigation of environmental ethics, spiritual health, and its relationship with environmental protection behaviors in nursing students.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between environmental ethics, spiritual health, and environmental behavior among nursing students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 iranian students from the Chabahar Nursing School were selected using a simple random sampling method. The data collection tool included a questionnaire on demographic information, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards the environment, environmental ethics, and spiritual health. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to evaluate the conceptual framework in this study. Results: The mean score for environmental ethics among nursing students was 65.73±10.61 out of 100. Most of the students (47%) had desirable environmental ethics. The knowledge structure (ß=0.46) predicted attitude. The attitude structure also predicted environmental behavior (ß=0.28) and spiritual health (ß=0.31). Ultimately, the results showed that spiritual health and environmental ethics predict environmental behavior directly and indirectly (p<0.001). Conclusion: Spiritual health and environmental ethics were strong predictors of environmental behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account not only students' spiritual health but also their ethical behaviors to promote environmental protection behaviors in the future.

Reasons and Expectations for Seeking Spiritual Treatment in Brazilian Spiritist Centers: A Qualitative Study.

The objective of this study is to identify the main motivations and expectations for seeking spiritual treatment (ST) in  spiritist centers. This is a qualitative study developed at two spiritist centers in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. ST was considered as the set of activities that use magnetic current as the main treatment method. We observed that most of the participants first sought treatments from health professionals and that, after insufficient results, they went in search of ST. Their treatments take place simultaneously and, for the participants, they complement each other. The motivations that led the participants to ST ranged from physical reasons to mental health complaints and even family conflicts. One possibility for investing in this type of treatment is due to the participants' desire for a more comprehensive approach, and not as a mere solution to the problem that directly afflicts them.

Investigation of environmental ethics, spiritual health, and its relationship with environmental protection behaviors in nursing students / Investigación sobre ética ambiental, salud espiritual y su relación con comportamientos de protección ambiental en estudiantes de enfermería / Pesquisa sobre ética ambiental, saúde espiritual e sua relação com comportamentos de proteção ambiental em estudantes de enfermagem

Objective.To investigate the relationship between environmental ethics, spiritual health, and environmental behavior among nursing students . Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 200 iranian students from the Chabahar Nursing School were selected using a simple random sampling method. The data collection tool included a questionnaire on demographic information, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards the environment, environmental ethics, and spiritual health. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to evaluate the conceptual framework in this study. Results. The mean score for environmental ethics among nursing students was 65.73±10.61 out of 100. Most of the students (47%) had desirable environmental ethics. The knowledge structure (ß=0.46) predicted attitude. The attitude structure also predicted environmental behavior (ß=0.28) and spiritual health (ß=0.31). Ultimately, the results showed that spiritual health and environmental ethics predict environmental behavior directly and indirectly (p<0.001). Conclusion. Spiritual health and environmental ethics were strong predictors of environmental behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account not only students' spiritual health but also their ethical behaviors to promote environmental protection behaviors in the future.

Objetivo. Investigar la relación entre la ética ambiental, la salud espiritual y el comportamiento ambiental entre los estudiantes de enfermería. Métodos. En este estudio transversal se seleccionaron 200 estudiantes iraníes de la Escuela de Enfermería de Chabahar mediante un método de muestreo aleatorio simple. La herramienta de recogida de datos incluía un cuestionario sobre información demográfica, conocimientos, actitudes y comportamientos hacia el medio ambiente, ética medioambiental y salud espiritual. Se utilizó el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales por mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS-SEM) para evaluar el marco conceptual de este estudio. Resultados. La puntuación media en ética medioambiental entre los estudiantes de enfermería fue de 65.73±10.61 sobre 100. El 47% de los estudiantes tenían una ética medioambiental deseable. La estructura de conocimientos (0.46) predijo la actitud. La estructura de la actitud también predijo el comportamiento medioambiental (0.28) y la salud espiritual (0.31). En última instancia, los resultados mostraron que la salud espiritual y la ética medioambiental predicen el comportamiento medioambiental directa e indirectamente (p<0.001). Conclusión. La salud espiritual y la ética medioambiental fueron fuertes predictores del comportamiento medioambiental. Por lo tanto, es necesario tener en cuenta no sólo la salud espiritual de los estudiantes, sino también sus comportamientos éticos para promover conductas de protección del medio ambiente en el futuro.

Objetivo. Investigar a relação entre ética ambiental, saúde espiritual e comportamento ambiental entre estudantes de enfermagem. Métodos. Neste estudo transversal, 200 estudantes da Escola de Enfermagem de Chabahar (Irã) foram selecionados usando um método de amostragem aleatória simples. A ferramenta de coleta de dados incluiu um questionário sobre informações demográficas, conhecimento, atitudes e comportamentos em relação ao meio ambiente, ética ambiental e saúde espiritual. A modelagem de equações estruturais por mínimos quadrados parciais (PLS-SEM) foi usada para avaliar a estrutura conceitual deste estudo. Resultados. A pontuação média sobre ética ambiental entre os estudantes de enfermagem foi de 65.73±10.61 de um total de 100. 47% dos estudantes tinham uma ética ambiental desejável. A estrutura de conhecimento (0.46) previu a atitude. A estrutura da atitude também previu o comportamento ambiental (0.28) e a saúde espiritual (0.31). Por fim, os resultados mostraram que a saúde espiritual e a ética ambiental previram o comportamento ambiental direta e indiretamente (p<0.001). Conclusão. A saúde espiritual e a ética ambiental foram fortes preditores do comportamento ambiental. Portanto, é necessário considerar não apenas a saúde espiritual dos alunos, mas também seus comportamentos éticos, a fim de promover comportamentos de proteção ambiental no futuro.

Psychosocial symptoms associated with spiritual well-being in Latino patients and caregivers coping with advanced cancer.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship among hopelessness, anxiety, and depression, with spiritual well-being in patients and family caregivers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients (n = 57) and caregivers (n = 57) that incorporated assessments that measured spiritual well-being, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, quality of life, family relationship, burden, fatalism, religiosity, and distress. Logistic regression and cross-tabulation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between hopelessness, anxiety, and depression, with spiritual well-being. Logistic regression was used to quantify the impact of spiritual well-being on anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. Additionally, cross-tabulations with chi-square tests were conducted to explore associations between severity of hopelessness and severity of anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses showed negative associations between spiritual well-being and mental health outcomes, although not all findings were statistically significant. Among caregivers, a significant negative relationship was observed for depression (B = - 0.161, p = 0.022). Hopelessness also exhibited a negative association with spiritual well-being among caregivers (B = - 0.099, p = 0.054) and patients (B = - .152, p = 0.038). Cross-tabulations highlighted significant associations in the severity of hopelessness symptoms with anxiety and depression levels among caregivers (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Results reveal a relationship among psychosocial symptoms among Latino patient-caregivers coping with cancer. By emphasizing spiritual well-being, hopelessness, and anxiety and involving family patients and caregivers in the treatment process as a unit of care. Also, it indicates the need to develop culturally tailored interventions that aim to provide valuable assistance to Latino patients and caregivers coping with cancer.

Influence of reminiscence therapy on mental health and quality of life in elderly patients with unresectable, metastatic gastrointestinal cancer

Reminiscence therapy (RT) attenuates psychological disorders in cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RT on anxiety, depression, spiritual well-being, and quality of life in elderly patients with unresectable, metastatic gastrointestinal cancer. A total of 222 elderly patients with unresectable, metastatic gastrointestinal cancer were randomized into RT group (RT plus usual care, n=112) or control group (usual care, n=110) with a 6-month intervention. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for Anxiety (HADS-A) and Depression (HADS-D), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp), and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) were evaluated at month (M)0, M1, M3, and M6. Concerning the primary outcome, HADS-A score at M6 decreased in the RT group compared to the control group (P=0.005). As to secondary outcomes, the RT group showed decreased HADS-A scores at M3, anxiety rate at M3, HADS-D scores at M3 and M6, depression rate at M6, as well as greater FACIT-Sp scores at M1, M3, and M6 vs the control group (all P<0.050). Additionally, QLQ-C30 global health score was elevated at M1 (P=0.046) and M6 (P=0.005), functions score was greater at M6 (P=0.038), and symptoms score was lower at M3 (P=0.019) in the RT group than in the control group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the addition of RT was more effective for patients with anxiety or depression at baseline. In summary, RT alleviated anxiety and depression, and improved the spiritual well-being and quality of life within 6 months in elderly patients with unresectable, metastatic gastrointestinal cancer.

The Meaning of Life and Religious Coping in the Fight Against Cancer: A Study with Oncology Patients in Brazil in Light of Viktor Frankl's Theory.

This study aimed to describe the perception of the meaning of life and coping strategies of 19 patients with cancer at a public hospital in Brazil. This is descriptive and qualitative research that used Amedeo Giorgi's phenomenological model, and the interpretation was performed in light of Viktor Frankl's theory. Two themes have emerged: (1) the perception of the meaning of life in the experience with cancer and (2) religious coping to fight the disease. This study showed that revealing the meaning of life in the cancer experience contributes to better treatment compliance, a more favorable view of the future and better quality of life. On the other hand, religious coping is the strategy most used by patients who believe in God, showing a greater state of psychological and spiritual well-being.

Brazilian Psychiatric Association guidelines on the integration of spirituality into mental health clinical practice: Part 1. Spiritual history and differential diagnosis

Objectives: To present evidence-based guidelines for clinical practice regarding religiosity and spirituality in mental health care in Brazil. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify potentially eligible articles indexed in the PubMed, PsycINFO, SciELO, LILACS, and Cochrane databases. A summary of recommendations and their levels of evidence was produced in accordance with Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. Results: The systematic review identified 6,609 articles, 41 of which satisfied all inclusion criteria. Taking a spiritual history was found to be an essential part of a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach to care. It represents a way of obtaining relevant information about the patient's religiosity/spirituality, potential conflicts that could impact treatment adherence, and improve patient satisfaction. Consistent evidence shows that reported perceptual experiences are unreliable for differentiating between anomalous experiences and psychopathology. Negative symptoms, cognitive and behavioral disorganization, and functional impairment are more helpful for distinguishing pathological and non-pathological anomalous experiences. Conclusion: Considering the importance of religiosity/spirituality for many patients, a spiritual history should be routinely included in mental health care. Anomalous experiences are highly prevalent, requiring a sensitive and evidence-based approach to differential diagnosis.

Spiritual Well-Being Among Users and Non-Users of Psychedelics: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) in a Brazilian sample. We analyzed spiritual well-being, defined as existential well-being (EWB) and religious well-being (RWB), among individuals with varying religious and spiritual experiences, both users and non-users of psychedelics. The online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Brazil, from April to June 2022. The psychometric analyses demonstrated reliability and validity based on the internal structure and the relationship with satisfactory external variables concerning the RWB and EWB factors of the SWBS. Validity evidence was shown for both factors (RWB, EWB) with adequate reliability ratings. However, the RWB factor, which was entirely replicated, demonstrated the best group differentiation and internal consistency. Although both factors showed validity, the RWB factor exhibited superior psychometric indices for validity, group discrimination, and reliability. Regarding psychedelics, the association with RWB and EWB demonstrates a U-shaped pattern, as participants who never use these substances typically exhibit higher RWB and EWB indices, succeeded by frequent users. This finding underscores the need for additional studies to further explore the intricate interplay between psychedelics and spiritual well-being.

Brazilian Psychiatric Association guidelines on the integration of spirituality into mental health clinical practice: Part 1. Spiritual history and differential diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To present evidence-based guidelines for clinical practice regarding religiosity and spirituality in mental health care in Brazil. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify potentially eligible articles indexed in the PubMed, PsycINFO, SciELO, LILACS, and Cochrane databases. A summary of recommendations and their levels of evidence was produced in accordance with Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. RESULTS: The systematic review identified 6,609 articles, 41 of which satisfied all inclusion criteria. Taking a spiritual history was found to be an essential part of a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach to care. It represents a way of obtaining relevant information about the patient's religiosity/spirituality, potential conflicts that could impact treatment adherence, and improve patient satisfaction. Consistent evidence shows that reported perceptual experiences are unreliable for differentiating between anomalous experiences and psychopathology. Negative symptoms, cognitive and behavioral disorganization, and functional impairment are more helpful for distinguishing pathological and non-pathological anomalous experiences. CONCLUSION: Considering the importance of religiosity/spirituality for many patients, a spiritual history should be routinely included in mental health care. Anomalous experiences are highly prevalent, requiring a sensitive and evidence-based approach to differential diagnosis.

Dificuldades dos enfermeiros no cuidar espiritual da pessoa em situação paliativa: uma scoping review / Difficulties Of Nurses In The SpiritualCare Of The Palliative Person: A Scoping Review

Objetivo: Mapear a evidência científica relativa às dificuldades dos enfermeiros no cuidar espiritual da pessoa em situação paliativa. Método: Estudo do tipo Scoping Review, com base nas recomendações PRISMA-ScR e do protocolo definido pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. Pesquisa em 4 bases de dados: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), Cummulative Index to Nursing and Allied Heath Literature (CINAHL) e Web of Science e considerados estudos dos últimos 5 anos. Resultado: Amostra final de 10 estudos. Foram identificadas várias dificuldades dos enfermeiros no cuidar espiritual da pessoa em situação paliativa, dos quais destacamos: falta de formação; falta de tempo; falta de reconhecimento; falta de confiança; evitamento; referenciação tardia; espiritualidade dos enfermeiros pouco desenvolvida; crenças diferentes. Conclusão: Foram identificadas múltiplas dificuldades sentidas pelos enfermeiros no cuidar espiritual, as quais passam quer por défices na formação, quer por défices organizacionais, quer por défices pessoais. (AU)

Objective: To map the scientific evidence concerning the difficulties faced by nurses in the spiritual care of palliative care patients. Method: Scoping Review, based on PRISMA-ScR recommendations and the protocol defined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Search in 4 databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Heath Literature (CINAHL) and Web of Science and considered studies from the last 5 years. Result: Final sample of 10 studies. Several difficulties were identified among the nurses in the spiritual care of palliative patients, namely: lack of training; lack of time; lack of recognition; lack of trust; avoidance; late referral; nurses' spirituality underdeveloped; different beliefs. Conclusion: We identified multiple difficulties experienced by nurses in spiritual care, either due to deficits in training, organizational deficits, or personal deficits.(AU)

Mapear la evidencia científica sobre las dificultades experimentadas por las enfermeras en la atención espiritual de pacientes en cuidados paliativos. Método: Scoping Review, basado en las recomendaciones PRISMA-ScR y en el protocolo definido por el Instituto Joanna Briggs. Búsqueda en 4 bases de datos: Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Heath Literature (CINAHL) y Web of Science. Resultado: Muestra final de 10 estudios. Se identificaron varias dificultades entre las enfermeras en la atención espiritual de los pacientes paliativos, a saber: falta de formación; falta de tiempo; falta de reconocimiento; falta de confianza; evitación; derivación tardía; espiritualidad de las enfermeras poco desarrollada; creencias diferentes. Conclusión: Se identificaron múltiples dificultades experimentadas por las enfermeras en la atención espiritual, que pueden explicarse por déficits formativos, organizativos y personales.(AU)

Measurement and analysis of the religious and spiritual factors of quality of life of residents of Islamic cities / Medición y análisis de los factores religiosos y espirituales de la calidad de vida de los residentes de las ciudades islámicas

Abstract Happiness and achieving quality of life primarily depends on the nature of the place in which we live. The religious/spiritual factor is considered a basic factor for understanding the quality of life of individuals. The study at hand used the Arabic version of WHOQoL-SRPB to analyze the religious and spiritual factor affecting the quality of life in Islamic holy cities. The scale was applied to 671 residents of Medina with an average age of 51.6 years, of which 527 (78.5 %) are males and 144 (21.5 %) are females, and they are all Muslims. The results showed that all factors have good internal consistency, since the Alpha Cronbach value was .81 at a significant level of p < .001, and its value for the factors ranged between .75-.89, which are high values and significant at p < .001 except for the "Wholeness" factor, which was significant at p < .01. Moreover, the results of the intra-class correlations coefficients (ICC) test showed that all WHOQoL-SRPB factors are acceptable, as their values ranged between (.82-.93), and all of them were significant at p < .001.

Spiritual needs among hospitalized patients at a public hospital in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The relationship between spirituality and health has been the object of growing discussion. There is a lack of data on spiritual needs assessments in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the spiritual needs of patients admitted to a public tertiary hospital and perform a comparative analysis between patients with and without indications for palliative care. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional observational study included patients hospitalized between August and December 2020 in Hospital do Servidor Publico Municipal, Sao Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: The included patients answered a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data, the Duke religiosity scale, and the Spiritual Needs Assessment for Patients (SNAP) tool for a spiritual needs assessment. The World Health Organization Palliative Needs tool (NECPAL) was used to evaluate the indications for palliative care. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were included in this study. Most participants (97%) declared themselves as belonging to a religion. The group without indication for palliative care by the NECPAL showed greater spiritual (P = 0.043) and psychosocial needs (P = 0.004). No statistically significant difference was observed in the religious needs domain (P = 0.176). There were no statistically significant differences in the Duke scale scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Spiritual, psychosocial, and religious needs are prevalent among hospitalized patients, and multidisciplinary teams must consider these needs in their management approach. In addition, this study suggests that psychosocial and spiritual needs can be even higher in patients who do not receive palliative care.

Religious Experience and Clinical-EEG Aspects in Adult People with Epilepsy.

Spirituality and religiosity are complex cognitive phenomena; however, the relationship between spiritual experiences and epilepsy continues to be debated. Methods. Data from the daily spiritual experience scale (DSES) were related to EEG data and clinical variables of 100 adult people with epilepsy (PWEs). DSES scores were compared to 51 normal individuals (control group [CG]), with a significance level of P < .05. Results. The total score in the DSES was 36.1 ± 14 and 37.6 ± 13.2, respectively, in the PWEs and in the CG. In the PWEs, there was a correlation between DSES and age (Pearson's correlation; -0.22; P = .027) and educational level (0.207; P = .039). PWEs with ≥one seizure/month have a lower frequency of daily spiritual experiences than those with better controlled seizures (T-test; 39.2 ± 16.2 vs 31.7 ± 7.6; P = .038). EEG epileptiform activity (EA) in the right hemisphere was associated with a higher frequency of spiritual experiences than those with left-hemisphere EA (29.8 ± 9.0 vs 38.5 ± 17.5; P = .010). Conclusion. Demographic aspects, EA in the right hemisphere, and lower seizure frequency are associated with daily spiritual experiences in epilepsy, suggesting an association between aspects of spirituality, epilepsy, and neurobiological correlates.

Effects of complementary spiritual therapy on stress, anxiety, burnout syndrome and hematological parameters of professionals in a public hospital: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the stress, anxiety, and burnout of professionals exposed to complementary spiritist therapy (CST), which consists in therapeutic resources as prayer, Spiritist passe, fluidic water and spiritual education or control. METHODS: Seventy-six professionals were randomized to CST or control: to maintain the routine for 5 weeks. The ISSL scale, anxiety and depression Beck's indices, Maslach instrument, subjective well-being and WHOQOL-BREF were used at baseline and five-week. Blood count and cytokine dosage were collected at baseline, one-week and five-week. Analysis using the intention to treat approach. RESULTS: The means of variation of stress (exhaustion phase) between baseline and five-week were -1.50 ± 3.31 in the CST and 0.72 ± 3.50 in the control (p=0.036), effect size for CST group was d=0.65, which is considered medium effect. CST showed decrease in emotional exhaustion and negative affects, and increase in lymphocytes, erythrocyte parameters and platelets between the baseline and five-week (p<0.05). Reduction in IL-1ß and increase in total lymphocyte count were observed with 2-3 sessions per week, but that does not maintain when the number of sessions is decreased. Participants receiving ≥7 sessions reduced emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and stress, and improved hematological parameters throughout the study (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CST may be effective in reducing stress (exhaustion phase) compared to control. Higher frequency of interventions promotes better psychic state, evidenced by large effect size for emotional exhaustion in burnout, and improves hematological parameters of professionals.

Loneliness, spiritual well-being, and death perception, as well as their risk factors in urological cancer patients

Cancer patients commonly suffer from loneliness, poor spiritual status, and fear of death; however, these evaluations are rarely revealed in urological cancer patients. Thus, this study aimed to assess the loneliness, spiritual well-being, and death perception, as well as their risk factors in urological cancer patients. A total of 324 urological (including renal, bladder, and prostate) cancer patients and 100 healthy controls were included. The University of California and Los Angeles loneliness scale (UCLA-LS), functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp), and death attitude profile-revised (DAP-R) scores were evaluated. The results showed that the UCLA-LS score was higher, but the FACIT-Sp score was lower in urological cancer patients than in healthy controls. According to the DAP-R score, fear of death, death avoidance, and approaching death acceptance were elevated, but neutral acceptance was lower in urological cancer patients than in healthy controls. Among urological cancer patients, the UCLA-LS score was highest but the FACIT-Sp score was lowest in bladder cancer patients; regarding the DAP-R score, fear of death and death avoidance were highest, but approaching death acceptance was lowest in bladder cancer patients. Interestingly, single/divorced/widowed status, bladder cancer diagnosis, higher pathological grade, surgery, systemic treatment, and local treatment were independent factors for higher UCLA-LS score or lower FACIT-Sp score. In conclusion, urological cancer (especially bladder cancer) patients bear increased loneliness and reduced spiritual well-being; they also carry higher fear of death, death avoidance, and approaching death acceptance but lower neutral acceptance of death.

Espiritualidade, Ganho Funcional e Qualidade de Vida em Reabilitação Cardiovascular / Spirituality, Functional Gain, and Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

Resumo Fundamento Religiosidade e espiritualidade têm sido associadas a maiores taxas de recuperação, maior adesão a tratamentos e melhores níveis de qualidade de vida em pacientes cardiopatas. Objetivos Avaliar a associação entre espiritualidade, ganho funcional e melhoria de qualidade de vida em pacientes de um programa de reabilitação cardiovascular. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectiva, no qual foi avaliada a associação entre os ganhos funcional e em qualidade de vida obtidos durante um programa de reabilitação cardiovascular e o índice de religiosidade/espiritualidade a partir de escala validada. Sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse foram rastreados, para fins de controle. Um p < 0,05 foi adotado como padrão significante para todas as análises. Resultados Foram acompanhados 57 pacientes (66 ± 12 anos; 71,7% masculinos, 76% com doença arterial coronariana). O cálculo do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman não evidenciou associações entre incrementos na capacidade funcional e religiosidade organizacional (rs = 0,110; p = 0,421), não organizacional (rs = −0,007; p = 0,421) ou intrínseca (rs = −0,083; p = 0,543). Também não foram detectadas associações entre os resultados de um escore de qualidade de vida e religiosidade organizacional (rs = 0,22; p = 0,871), não organizacional (rs = 0,191; p = 0,159) ou intrínseca (rs = 0,108; p = 0,429). Conclusão Não foi detectada associação entre ganho funcional ou em qualidade de vida e religiosidade organizacional, não organizacional ou intrínseca, nesta amostra de pacientes em reabilitação cardiovascular.

Abstract Background Religiosity and spirituality have been associated with higher recovery rates, greater adherence to treatments, and better levels of quality of life in patients with heart disease. Objectives To evaluate the association between spirituality, functional gain, and improved quality of life in patients in a cardiovascular rehabilitation program. Methods This prospective cohort study evaluated the association between functional and quality of life gains during a cardiovascular rehabilitation program and a religiosity/spirituality index based on a validated scale. Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were screened for control purposes. P values < 0.05 were considered significant for all analyses. Results The study followed 57 patients (66 ± 12 years old; 71.7% male; 76% with coronary artery disease). The Spearman correlation coefficient did not show any associations between increases in functional capacity and organizational (rs = 0.110; p = 0.421), non-organizational (rs = −0.007; p = 0.421), or intrinsic (rs = −0.083; p = 0.543) religiosity. Furthermore, no associations were detected between the results of a quality of life score and organizational (rs = 0.22; p = 0.871), non-organizational (rs = 0.191; p = 0.159), or intrinsic (rs = 0.108; p = 0.429) religiosity. Conclusion No association was detected between functional and quality of life gains and organizational, non-organizational, or intrinsic religiosity in this sample of patients undergoing cardiovascular rehabilitation.

Inconmensurabilidad: un obstáculo para la integración de la psicoterapia y la espiritualidad. Los padres del desierto como paradigma epistemológico superador / Incommensurability: An Obstacle to the Integration of Psychotherapy and Spirituality. The Desert Fathers as an Overcoming Epistemological Paradigm

RESUMEN En los últimos arios ha crecido exponencialmente el cuerpo de literatura que se ocupa de ensayar diversas maneras de integrar la espiritualidad en la práctica psicoterapéutica. Probablemente el interés por esta temática haya surgido a propósito de la inclusión en el DSM-IV de la nueva categoría «Problema religioso o espiritual¼ (código V62.89). Hasta entonces las cuestiones religiosas o espirituales habían sido objeto de la clínica en tanto síntomas de algunas enfermedades mentales, como los delirios con contenidos religiosos propios de los esquizofrénicos. Pero con la cuarta edición del citado manual comienza a interesar el estudio de la espiritualidad en tanto que expresa un aspecto fundamental de la personalidad. En esta línea, se han formulado diversos modelos de integración de la espiritualidad y la psicoterapia. Nuestra intención es estudiar el problema de la inconmensurabilidad como uno de los problemas epistemológicos y metodológicos medulares que supone un proyecto de este tipo. Presentamos los escritos de los Padres del desierto como un modelo explicativo que garantiza una integración epistemológicamente legítima de las tradiciones espirituales con la práctica psicoterapéutica. Y por eso mismo argumentamos que sus escritos podrían constituir una vía superadora de la relación de mutua inconmensurabilidad que aparentemente existe entre la racionalidad científica y la espiritualidad.

ABSTRACT In recent years, the body of literature that deals with trying different ways of integrating spirituality into psychotherapeutic practice has grown exponentially. Probably the interest in this topic has arisen with regard to the inclusion in the DSM-IV of the new category "Religious or Spiritual Problem" (Code V62.89). Until then, religious or spiritual issues had been viewed in the clinical practice as symptoms of some mental illnesses like, for example, the delusions with religious content typical of schizophrenics. But with the fourth edition of the aforementioned manual, there began to be an interest in the study of spirituality as it expresses a fundamental aspect of personality. In this vein, various models of integration of spirituality and psychotherapy have been formulated. Our intention is to study the problem of incommensurability as one of the epistemological and methodological problems that supposes a project of this type. We present the writings of the Desert Fathers as an explanatory model that guarantees an epistemologically legitimate integration of spiritual traditions with psychotherapeutic practice. And for that reason, we argue that their writings could constitute a way to overcome the relationship of mutual incommensurability that apparently exists between scientific rationality and spirituality.