It is a delicate “spirit-to-spirit” relationship to oneself
and others, and the God of one’s understanding.
(Joint Commission Resources, 2005)
An inner belief system.
Spirituality can be defined as a complex and multidimensional part of the human experience – our inner belief system. It helps individuals to search for the meaning and purpose of life, and it helps them experience hope, love, inner peace, comfort, and support. (Joint Commission, 2005)
Spirituality is often a broad concept, referring to the human search for a sense of meaning, purpose, and mortality in the context of relationship with self, others, the universe, and ultimate reality. (Joint Commission, 2005)
Spirituality is recognized as a factor that contributes to health in many persons. The concept of spirituality is found in all cultures and societies. It is expressed in an individual’s search for ultimate meaning through participation in religion and/or belief in God, family, naturalism, rationalism, humanism, and the arts. All these factors can influence how patients and healthcare professionals
perceive health and illness and how they interact with one another. (AAMC, 1999)
What is Spiritual Well-Being?
Spiritual well-being occurs through a dynamic and interactive growth process that leads to a realization of the ultimate purpose and meaning of life. (Hungelmann, 1996)
Ability to experience and integrate meaning and purpose in life through connectedness with self, others, art, music, literature, nature, and/or a power greater than oneself that can be strengthened.
(Johnson, 2006)
Spiritual well-being is the affirmation of life in relationship with God, self, community and environment that nurtures and celebrates wholeness. (NICA, 1975)
