An exploration of the concept of spirituality

This paper explores the concept of spirituality using the framework developed by Walker and Avant (1995). Consideration of the concept, as used within nursing, suggested two broad categories: one relating to religious connotations and the second relating to non-religious connotations such as belief in the source/principle of life the characteristics or attributes of a person. Use of the concept analysis framework proved to be limited, because of the subjective and often intangible nature of spirituality. It remains a personal and individualistic concept which frustrates the development of a simple, standard definition. It may therefore be more appropriate for future nursing research and practice to explore nursing practices such as interpersonal interaction and communication. This may then facilitate nurses' assessment and exploration of spirituality with their patients.