Transcending through disability and death: Transpersonal themes in living with cystic fibrosis

Summary

This study examines transpersonal themes related to a sense of dealing with spiritual transcendence through disability and death as represented in the views of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF), a life threatening chronic hereditary disease. Analysis of on‐line discussion, autobiographical writings, and interviews of 16 people with CF identified spiritual beliefs, spiritual metaphors, transpersonal developmental patterns, and accounts of transpersonal experiences, such as miracles and contact with sacred beings. The principles of empowerment and phenomenologically oriented research for transpersonal topics shaped the methodology of this qualitative study. Implications for spiritually sensitive social work practice with people with chronic illnesses are presented.

Keywords:

• Transpersonal
• illness
• disability
• cystic fibrosis
• social work