Alan L Nager1, Sarah M Nager, Priya G Lalani, Jeffrey I Gold. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. nager@chla.usc.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: 'March of the Living' is a 2-week excursion to Poland and Israel for high school students to learn and experience sites of Holocaust destruction. METHODS: This study looked at the effect of their experience on spirituality and health. The sample consisted of 134 Jewish students, ages 16-19 years. Students were assessed initially (before MOTL=time 1) by completing a background survey (i.e., demographics, "Jewishness," and Holocaust related information), a World Health Organization, Quality of Life-Spirituality, Religion, and Personal beliefs field-test instrument, and the Child Somatization Inventory. Surveys were repeated end-Poland (time 2) and again (after MOTL=time 3) approximately 3-4 months after the trip. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: Most facets of spirituality significantly increased between time 1 and time 2, and varied from time 2 to time 3, while strength and hope remained elevated. Faith increased from time 1 to time 2 and was maintained at time 3. Fear of dying rose at time 2, decreasing significantly at time 3. A positive correlation between spirituality and "Jewishness" was found.
BACKGROUND: 'March of the Living' is a 2-week excursion to Poland and Israel for high school students to learn and experience sites of Holocaust destruction. METHODS: This study looked at the effect of their experience on spirituality and health. The sample consisted of 134 Jewish students, ages 16-19 years. Students were assessed initially (before MOTL=time 1) by completing a background survey (i.e., demographics, "Jewishness," and Holocaust related information), a World Health Organization, Quality of Life-Spirituality, Religion, and Personal beliefs field-test instrument, and the Child Somatization Inventory. Surveys were repeated end-Poland (time 2) and again (after MOTL=time 3) approximately 3-4 months after the trip. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: Most facets of spirituality significantly increased between time 1 and time 2, and varied from time 2 to time 3, while strength and hope remained elevated. Faith increased from time 1 to time 2 and was maintained at time 3. Fear of dying rose at time 2, decreasing significantly at time 3. A positive correlation between spirituality and "Jewishness" was found.