A Philosophical Analysis of Spiritual Coping.

Utilizing Whall and associates' philosophical analysis method, the concept of spiritual coping was critically evaluated to determine the relevance of this concept to nursing science. Studies were included in the literature review if participants were 55 years and older, as this cohort has reported using more spiritual coping strategies than younger cohorts. Twenty-four articles were reviewed and revealed 3 recurrent themes: enhanced physical, psychological, and social well-being, resilience, and self-transcendence. Support for the relevance of spiritual coping to nursing science was found, as these themes were easily placed within the context of 3 postmodern philosophical approaches and multiple extant nursing theories.