Religion and Spirituality: Assessment and Intervention

Abstract

In this article, the author explores the ways that an individual's spirituality influences responses to life-threatening illness and dying. He begins by differentiating between religion and spirituality, and then delineates the spiritual issues that arise in a life-threatening illness including the spiritual needs that arise in the final phases of illness. Recommendations for spiritual assessments and interventions are offered.

KEYWORDS:

• death
• dying
• end-of-life
• illness
• religion
• spirituality

Acknowledgments

Portions of this work were drawn from previous pieces published by the author.