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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Nursing
Notes
- Abstract:
- Background: Despite a rapidly growing interest in spirituality among the population in general and the many mandates to include it as a critical aspect of health care, little is known about the meaning or role of spirituality in the lives of elder gays and lesbians, nor is it currently being integrated into their care. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of spirituality and health for elder gays and lesbians. The research question for this phenomenological study was “What is the lived experience of spirituality and health for elder gays and lesbians?” Theoretical Framework. van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological. Methods. Using snowball sampling, participants were purposefully selected to be interviewed regarding their lived experiences with spirituality, aging, and health to gain insight into the essential nature and meaning of those experiences. Data was obtained using semi-structured interviews with ten elder gay or lesbian persons. Results. The interaction with the data and participants led to 5 essential themes: Belonging, Accepting, Guiding, Serving, and Journeying to Integrity. Findings from this study suggest that spirituality plays an essential and fundamental role in this population’s ability to successfully cope with the many stressors they encounter throughout their lives as well as those unique to the aging process. Furthermore, the findings seemed to indicate that, in many cases, awareness of a strong spiritual connection to others, God, a Higher Power, or to nature, the cosmos, or the universe keeps these individuals grounded, centered, and empowered to thrive in a world that is often rejecting and exclusive of them. Conclusions: Nurses and nursing students are, in general, inadequately informed regarding the needs and strengths of clients who are gay or lesbian. In order to improve the quality of nursing care for this population, it is essential that nursing curricula and practice begin to incorporate knowledge and discussion about the unique needs of this population. There is also a pressing need for further research to more clearly elucidate the role of spirituality in the health and well-being of all individuals, including those that are gay or lesbian.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2010.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 143-155).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Dawn Marie Miller. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- HQ76.27.O44 M55 2010_MillerDawn ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- HQ76.27.O44 M55 2010 ( lcc )
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