Spirituality of patients recovering from an acute myocardial infarction. A grounded theory study.

The purposes of this study were to discover what spirituality means to patients recovering from an acute myocardial infarction and to identify patients' perceptions of how spirituality influences recovery. Using the Glaserian method, spiritual concepts were used for theory building. Spirituality was described as a life-giving force nurtured by receiving presence of the divine, family, friends, health care providers, and creation (core category). Supporting categories were: developing faith, discovering meaning and purpose, and giving the gift of self. Five phases to discovering meaning and purpose were: (a) facing mortality, (b) releasing fear and turmoil, (c) identifying and making lifestyle changes, (d) seeking divine purpose, and (e) making meaning in daily life. Spirituality influenced recovery by providing the participants with inner strength, comfort, peace, wellness, wholeness, and enhanced coping. This substantive theory can be used by holistic nurses to facilitate spirituality in patients recovering from an acute myocardial infarction.