The Lived Experience of Spirituality for Christians During a Life-threatening Illness

by Dumas, Jane

The lived spiritual experience of 5 Christian persons was studied using Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method for analysis. Six main themes with sub themes emerged from significant statements made by the participants. The main themes included: An initial sense of disintegration; a sense of peace is sought; this sense of peace is interrupted by worries for the future; prayer support comes in many ways; life experiences are seen as lessons to be learned; and the experience results in a total trust in God. Results were integrated into an exhaustive description of the experience of spirituality for the five Christians during a life-threatening illness. Orem’s (2001) self-care deficit theory was used to illustrate the connection between the Christian beliefs and values to the state of well-being. Implications for nursing practice and further research were made.