Faith and Spirituality in Palliative Care: A Psychological and Religious Perspective

This article discusses the distinct relationship existing between psychological models of healing in palliative care and the religious aspects regarding faith and spirituality. The authors argue that there is an overlap between psychology and spirituality and faith because any form of treatment administered in the hospital should treat the patient as a whole.

Running head: WEEK ONE DISCUSSION: FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY
Week One Discussion: Faith and Spirituality
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WEEK ONE DISCUSSION: FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY
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Week One Discussion: Faith and Spirituality
Article Summary
There has been a significant relationship between psychological experiences and
religious perspectives on healing. The article by Rego and Nunes (2019) discusses the distinct
relationship existing between psychological models of healing in palliative care and the religious
aspects regarding faith and spirituality. The authors argue that there is an overlap between
psychology and spirituality and faith because any form of treatment administered in the hospital
should treat the patient as a “whole.” In this case, the caregiver should meet the physical, social,
and spiritual needs of the patient in the healthcare setting. The authors claim that since different
patients have different needs and preferences, it is the responsibility of the hospital management
to make sure that the preferences and interests of patients are taken into consideration before
exposing them to medication. The advantage of this approach is that the nurse will understand
the link that exists between scientific medicine and spiritual healing on the recipient of care.
Application of Neurophysiological Model
The neurophysiological model deals with the impact of hearing to the brain. From the
religious point of view, it is expected that patients with religious beliefs will respond differently
to medication compared to those that do not. According Rego and Nunes (2019), exposing
religious patients to religious hymns increases their emotional response to medication, relieving
the physical pain in the body. Pain originates in the brain (Javitt, 2015), implying that
spirituality and faith have an impact on the patient’s response to medication.
The neurophysiological model has been applied to help improve the holistic approach of
care to patients. Different patients have different needs that cannot be met from scientific
approach alone. Additionally, diseases cause physical and psychological pain to the patient and

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the extended family members. If a nurse finds that spirituality and faith will improve response to
medication, then one should find a way of maximizing these experiences to help the patient
recover. A case in point is where neurophysiological model of healing is used in treating patients
as discussed in Teut, Strokkigt, and Witt (2014). Simao, Caldeira, and Crvalho (2016) also
explain that prayer have been considered effective in healing patients and comforting families in
palliative care setting. I think that it is important to enhance this approach because it has already
shown to be proved beyond reasonable doubt that it has a positive impact when applied in
hospitals.
Similarities and Differences between Social and Group Identity in Studying Religion
There exists a pattern of continuity between social and group identity. Both provide a
sense of belonging that boost a person’s self-esteem. Religious social identity and group
identities provides a person with a sense of security. There are, however, some differences based
on the ideology of each identity. Religious social identity is based on faith and spirituality that
incorporates belief in a supreme deity. Group identity does not necessarily imply that one
believes in religion. Group identity brings together believers and non-believers. Nevertheless,
the similarities in these identities could be exploited t foster physical and emotional healing in
the hospital setting.

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References
Javitt D. C. (2015). Neurophysiological models for new treatment development in schizophrenia:
early sensory approaches. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1344, 92–104.
doi:10.1111/nyas.12689. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4467888/
Rego, F. & Nunes, R. (2019). The interface between psychology and spirituality in palliative
care. Journal of Health Psychology, 24(3), 279-287. Retrieved from
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1359105316664138
Simao, P., T., Caldeira, S., & Cavalho, C., F. (2016). The effect of prayer on patients’ health:
systematic literature review. Religions. Retrieved from
https://res.mdpi.com/religions/religions-07-00011/article_deploy/religions-07-00011.pdf?
filename=&attachment=1
Teut, M., Strokkigt, M., & Witt, C., M. (2014). Perceived outcomes of spiritual healing and
explanations - a qualitative study on the perspectives of German healers and their clients.
BMC, 14. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4107996/