Spiritual sensitivity in nursing and midwifery students and its relationship with spiritual intelligence and spiritual growth

Spirituality is the central core of human existential dimensions, and considering the positive effects of spirituality on all aspects of individuals' individual and social lives, examining the components related to spirituality is of particular importance. This study aimed to determine the relationship between spiritual sensitivity and spiritual intelligence and spiritual growth in nursing and midwifery students.

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 270 nursing and midwifery students at the School of Nursing and Midwifery of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in southeastern Iran in 2021-2022. The study instruments included demographic questionnaires, Tirri & Nokelainen spiritual sensitivity, King spiritual intelligence (SISIR), and SAI spiritual growth.

The mean spiritual sensitivity score was 38.31 ± 8.20, indicating a low level. The mean spiritual intelligence score was 50.08 ± 9.50, which corresponds to a moderate level. The mean score for spiritual growth was 122.75 ± 27.89, reflecting a level below moderate.30.1% (n = 80) of students had low spiritual growth, 63.5% (n = 169) were in average level and 6.4% (n = 17) were in high level. Spiritual sensitivity was positively correlated with spiritual intelligence and all its dimensions (r = 0.55, P < 0.001). Also, Spiritual sensitivity was positively correlated with spiritual growth in all its dimensions (r = 0.54, P < 0.001).

The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between spiritual sensitivity and both spiritual intelligence and spiritual growth across all examined dimensions. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing spiritual sensitivity to support the development of spiritual intelligence and growth, which could improve holistic care in nursing and midwifery education. Addressing spiritual sensitivity may have significant implications for better psychological well-being and patient care in future healthcare professionals.