Skip to main content
Article
Youth with Disabilities Talk About Spirituality: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
The Qualitative Report
  • Patricia J. Baldwin, Thames Valley Children's Centre
  • Jan Evans, Thames Valley Children's Centre
  • Nicole Etherington, Western University
  • Megan Nichols, Thames Valley Children's Centre
  • Viginia Wright, Bloorview Research Institute
  • Janette McDougall, The University of Western Ontario
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Disciplines
Abstract

There is little known about what spirituality means for youth with disability or about the potential relevance of youths’ spirituality in pediatric rehabilitation. This study explored perceptions of spirituality for youth with disabilities. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, we examined the lived experiences of eighteen youth ages 11-20 years with disabilities including cerebral palsy, central nervous system disorder or autism spectrum disorder. In individual interviews, followed by a focus group, youth identified key spiritual themes – the importance of their beliefs, personal sources of comfort and strength, finding purpose in helping others, significance of personal connections, and strengths-based perspectives on disability. This study makes a unique contribution by informing health care professionals about the relevance of youths’ spirituality in service delivery. Keywords: Spirituality, Religion, Disability, Youth, Adolescent, Quality of Life, Qualitative Descriptive.

Citation Information
Patricia J. Baldwin, Jan Evans, Nicole Etherington, Megan Nichols, et al.. "Youth with Disabilities Talk About Spirituality: A Qualitative Descriptive Study" The Qualitative Report Vol. 20 Iss. 7 (2015) p. 942 - 958
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/janette-mcdougall/47/