Spiritual belief improves mental wellbeing in terminally ill patients

By April Clarkson, June 7th, 2013 | Health | 0 Comments

People holding strong spiritual beliefs approach the end of life without despair, according to a study.
Spirituality and the meaning of life are important issues to those who are dying. Yet they are not always addressed in palliative care. Researchers at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital and colleagues report on a study done among a group of 160 patients with less than three months to live.

They are asked about spiritual beliefs - which was broadly defined as having an understanding of the meaning and purpose of life and not necessarily involving organized religion. Those holding strong spiritual beliefs were less likely to be despairing or want to hasten their end. Even if they were depressed about their condition, they were accepting and not suicidal. The study underlines the importance of addressing spiritual matters during terminal care. Those involved in looking after these patients may be able to help them come to terms with their condition and die more peacefully.