Prayer after stroke. Its relationship to quality of life

Research has documented that recovery from a stroke is stressful, often necessitating significant coping efforts. Difficult life events such as stroke may encourage patients to reexamine spiritual aspects of life, and the challenges associated with stroke can promote spiritual growth and development. Because of the life-changing experience of stroke, spiritual practices may assist patients in finding meaning and wholeness through the confidence they offer. The purpose of this article is to report how 8 patients used prayer after stroke as a coping strategy to improve self-efficacy and quality of life after stroke. A qualitative approach using the long interview method was employed to expand on spiritual practices expressed through prayer as a way of coping after stroke. Potential strategies are suggested for nurses that address patients' spiritual needs.