Changes in spiritual beliefs after traumatic disability

To discover the effect of sudden-onset disability on spirituality, specifically, to investigate changes following the onset of disability in spiritual concepts and to outline a theoretical framework consisting of relationships with the self, others, the world, and a supreme power.

The study used a cross-sectional, qualitative approach to understand changes in spirituality from the perspective of the disabled person. Intensive semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 participants, each of whom had either a spinal cord injury or brain injury, within the 2-year period after discharge from rehabilitation. Changes in spiritual concepts were explored in relation to 3 types of relationships (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and transpersonal) and 5 themes (awareness, closeness, trust, purpose, and vulnerability).

Specific changes in spirituality described by sample members were: greater awareness of the self; a change in their view of their own independence; a sense of purpose in life that was not present before the onset of the disability; greater awareness of their own mortality and vulnerability; a new understanding of trust, especially when depending on others; loss of some significant relationships; greater appreciation and closeness with others and the world; and greater understanding of other disadvantaged groups.

The interviews portrayed a significant ability to conceptualize issues in a spiritual context in the 2-year period after discharge from rehabilitation. Further, the changes reported suggest a positive effect of spirituality in the adjustment period following onset.