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Published on: June 19, 2019
Spirituality, chronic illness, and rural life
Carol Craig1, Clarann Weinert, Joni Walton
1Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA.
Summary
Spirituality, social support, and hope positively influence well-being in rural individuals with chronic conditions, with low depression levels observed. Further research is needed to explore spirituality's mitigating effects.
Area of Science:
- Health Psychology
- Rural Health
- Chronic Illness Management
Background:
- Rural populations with chronic conditions often face unique challenges.
- Understanding factors influencing well-being in this demographic is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the associations among spirituality, hope, depression, social support, and well-being.
- To investigate these factors in rural-dwelling individuals managing one or more chronic conditions.
Main Methods:
- A mail survey was administered to 111 participants.
- Participants were residents of rural areas in two western states and had chronic illnesses.
Main Results:
- Spirituality, hope, depression, and social support collectively influenced well-being.
- Spirituality did not demonstrate an independent effect on well-being.
- Participants reported high hope and low depression levels despite chronic illness.
Conclusions:
- Active spiritual and religious lives may contribute to high hope and low depression in this population.
- Spirituality's potential mitigating effects on chronic illness challenges warrant further investigation.
- The findings present a positive outlook on rural individuals with chronic illness, highlighting the need for continued research.
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