Becoming and connecting: elements of spirituality for women.

This study explored women's understandings of spirituality through in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 12 adult women in Appalachia. Data were analyzed utilizing the constant comparative processes of naturalistic inquiry and grounded theory. The results revealed spirituality as a unifying force permeating all of life, and manifested through one's becoming and connecting. Women indicated that spirituality shapes and gives meaning to life, is expressed in one's being, knowing, and doing, and is experienced within caring connections with Self, Others, Nature, and Ultimate Other. Spirituality was related to an inner knowing and source of strength. This study contributes to understanding the concept of spirituality for nursing, affirming the importance of women's stories.