Poster Presentation
Monday, November 5, 2007
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Monday, November 5, 2007
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM
The Role of Spirituality in Advance Directive Decision Making among Independent Community Dwelling Older Adults
Loralee Sessanna, DNS, RN, School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| Learning Objective #1: gain insight regarding the role of spirituality in advance directive decision making among independent community dwelling older adults. |
| Learning Objective #2: understand the need for nursing research regarding spirituality's role in advance directive decision making among independent older adult populations. |
The purpose of this grounded theory study, based on Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) grounded theory methodology, was to explore the meaning, definition, and needs regarding the role of spirituality in advance directive decision making (ADDM) among independent community dwelling older adults. An independent community dwelling older adult was defined as an individual aged 65 years and older living and functioning autonomously within a community. The primary aims of this study were to: 1) describe the meaning and definition of spirituality in relation to advance directive decision making from the perspective of the independent community dwelling older adult, 2) to explain factors constituting spirituality in advance directive decision making among independent community dwelling older adults, and 3) to explain how independent community dwelling older adults use spirituality to engage in decision making related to advance directive care planning needs. Blumer’s (1969) Symbolic Interactionism Theory and Erikson’s Integrity versus Despair formed the theoretical orientation for this study. Data analysis consisted of comparative analysis using memoing and open, axial, and selective coding. Twelve subjects were recruited through snowball sampling until data saturation occurred. Study findings were supported by a verification focus group. Participants did not fear thinking about death. Experiences with the death of loved ones were strong influential factors in ADDM. Participants believed an individual could be spiritual without being religious and stated a difference existed between spirituality and religion. The role of spirituality was described as a connection between contributing, supporting, and believing and was found to exist as two equally important mirrored basic social processes: Spirituality in Everyday Life (reflecting broad and global attributes and properties of wellness) and Spirituality in Advance Directive Care Planning (reflecting narrow and succinct attributes and properties of illness). A theoretical model consisting of this mirrored basic social process was constructed, Spirituality as Connecting.