Date Presented 03/22/24
This study explored spirituality and occupation in young adults. Thirty-five adults were interviewed with responses organized by the definition, significance, and occupations of spirituality. Spirituality was important but an afterthought.
Primary Author and Speaker: Deborah Elgin Budash
Contributing Authors: Kyla Avant, Alexandra Garza, Kelly Neville, Megan Stanislowski, Kaitlyn Hartsky, Danielle Taglucop, Cassidy Treese
PURPOSE: To explore the meaning of spirituality for young adults, how occupations and spirituality are related, and what occupations are considered spiritual.
DESIGN: A qualitative naturalistic inquiry study.
METHOD: Following a review of literature, an interview guide was developed to explore the issue of spirituality and spirituality related to occupation. A convenience sample of thirty-five adults aged 18 – 25 years were interviewed. The responses to each question were collated to permit coding and thematic analysis using a constant comparison approach. Themes were reviewed reflexively in small groups and by the research team until consensus in interpretation was achieved.
RESULTS: The main themes identified from the data include the definition of spirituality, the significance of spirituality, and occupations related to spirituality. In general, spirituality was defined in several ways including a belief in something greater than self, connection to self or others, and a sense of purpose and meaning. Most participants offered that spirituality was important in their life. A wide variety of occupations were deemed spiritual and were organized as solitary, physical, reflective, and social.
CONCLUSION: Most participants acknowledge that spirituality was an important aspect of their lives but approached it in a passive manner. The impact of this study demonstrates that spirituality is not front of mind with young adults and it may be that when their engagement in occupations considered spiritual are curtailed that the impact of spirituality is appreciated. This understanding will help the occupational therapist to prioritize occupational participation goals when working with adults in this age group.
References
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Milliken, B. E. (2020). Clients’ perspectives of spirituality in occupational therapy: A Retrospective Study. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 8(4), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1666
Wilding, C., May, E., & Muir-Cochrane, E. (2005). Experience of spirituality, mental illness, and occupation: A life-sustaining phenomenon. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 52, 2–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2005.00462.x
