Fowler’s Theory of Faith Development: Understanding Prayer

It is only human and natural to feel hopelessness and despair as one gets closer to the grave. Religion is an important part of coping with this desperateness. Incorporating a deeper understanding and practicing religion helps with understanding life and death. Spirituality may be one of the most important components mental, spiritual and social health as one crawls towards end of life (Dose, (2007). A study by Dose, (2007) looked at experiences of spirituality in older adults at the end of their life, especially those receiving hospice care. Participants were asked about their “spiritual journey”. The study concluded that spirituality is important to most of the participants of the study and shaped their views in terms of correctness and moving on. A view of life in terms of religion and spirituality was important to them as they neared the end (Dose, 2007). They also found that spirituality helped with coping with their pain and reduced the stress of being

Presented with the task of assessing someone’s faith development required the answers to three essential questions. How has social learning played a part in the individual’s religious development? How has attachment played a part in the individual’s religious development? Upon answering these questions we must then evaluate the stages of faith development in which the individual is in according to James Fowler and David Elkind. After thorough evaluation has occurred the question pertaining to the role of doubt can then be answered. With these questions in mind, the theory that religious beliefs and adherence to spiritual faith are ultimately tested and proved during adolescence was the driving thought throughout the process of interviewing

Furthermore, religion and spirituality positively affect psychological aspects of health. George et al. (2000) declared that religious involvement is associated with positive mental health outcomes such as a lower prevalence of anxiety and depression. Other research similarly presents religion as a protective factor against depression, anxiety, and suicide (Chiswick & Mirtcheva, 2013; Koenig, 2009; Lee & Newberg, 2005). In addition to deterring mental health issues, religion and spirituality facilitate positive mental orientations such as happiness, increased self-esteem, and improved life satisfaction (Lee & Newberg, 2005; Marks, 2005). There are many benefits of religion and spirituality for psychological health.

Spirituality and religion are often seen as significantly positive resources for individuals dealing with hardship and adversity throughout the life course. Spiritual coping is often effective and most often employed when in unfathomable situations or faced with "problems of human insufficiency" (Pargament, 1998). However, spirituality may also be diminished when it becomes associated with demoralization or negativity, such as when one feels abandoned by faith or condemned by the world (Van Hook, 2013) in their current situation or experience. Higher powers and spiritual connection then begin to appear either irrelevant or beyond reach, and viewpoints become fatalistic as individuals resign to the belief that their faith has not helped them.

This study evaluated the interaction effect of organized religiosity, non-organized religiosity, and intrinsic religiosity on general mental health and depression. In a random stratified sample of 1000 participants from Alabama counties those who scored high in all three dimensions of religiosity reported fewer depression symptoms and better mental health.

Treatment outcome predictors of African American culture are that one may attend church services weekly to praise and worship. While attending services one will depend on his or her belief in God and worship in faith with a commitment to themselves and God. Spirituality is a strategy one will use to cope with events or experiences within his or her life that is stressful. These strategies are considered external, support from religious beliefs such as prayer, reading the bible, and the reflections of one’s belief. Spirituality is also seen as an integral to health and a sense of one having the feeling of wholeness or well being (Britt, 2004).

In my opinion, it may be difficult to define health because it may vary from one person to another depending on one’s perception about health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not just the absence of disease (Saylor, 2004). However, I feel that the WHO definition of health misses a very important aspect of health which is spirituality. According to Anye et al. (2013), spirituality is associated “with a more positive outlook and better quality of life”. In fact, they found that in patients with advanced stages of cancer, religious belief was associated with higher life satisfaction and patients who engaged in religious activity reported higher levels of happiness and had positive outcomes (Anye et al. 2013). In addition, studies have shown that mental health patients who have consistently identified spiritual needs as an important issue to them had symptoms of relief and general well-being (Chidarikire, 2012).

For health care providers to deliver the best holistic care that patients deserve, a thorough spiritual assessment must be included during their care. With more research showing a relationship between supporting a patient’s spirituality with their health and ability to cope with illness, it is now a requirement of organizations to include a spiritual assessment to maintain accreditation with The Joint Commission. The minimum required of a spiritual assessment by The Joint Commission is to determine the patient’s religion and

There have been growing cases of traumatic effects and responses in the United States. While most agree that this increasing incident deserves concrete attention, consensus dissolves around how to handle the difficulties of handling traumatic effects and responses. This research paper will discuss the traumatic effects and responses with its related difficulties and treatment options with the inclusion of biblical concepts and principles. From a medical perspective, trauma has affected the lives of millions of people from across the world whereby they suffer silently without the hope of getting effective treatment. However, spirituality and religion has changed the medical landscape in regards to trauma because traumatic patients can finally experience a fulfilling life without any fear of traumatic reminders crippling the quality of their lives. To explore the outcome of spirituality and religion, this research paper will explain in detail the benefits of patients engaging in religious teachings and spiritual rituals in boosting their inner being.

The research article for this week discussion was “Religiosity, Spirituality, and Cancer Fatalism Beliefs on Delay in Breast Cancer Diagnosis in African American Women.” The researchers used descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis, Pearson r correlations, Mann-Whitney U analysis, and Chi Square analysis to evaluate the data (Gullatte, Brawley, Kinney, Powe, & Mooney, 2010). Furthermore, the researchers used the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, with is an instrument to evaluate the internal reliability within the study (Polit & Beck, 2008). Within the study, Cronbach’s alpha of the 15-item subscale was 0.85, Religions Problem Solving Scale (RPSS) was 0.83, and Modified Powe Fatalism Inventory (mPFI) was 0.72 (Gullatte,

In trying to reconstruct my past to correlate it with James W. Fowler’s stages of faith, who I am now is the lens through which I remember the past. I am rehearsing the past with a present view. James W. Fowler purports faith begins to develop between ages three and seven. I grew up in a rural area in South Carolina. We lived on a farm until I was twelve. Although my dad stopped farming when I was six or seven, we lived in the same house until I was thirteen. My earliest memory with regard to Fowler’s first stage of faith development, Intuitive/Projective Faith was prior to attending elementary school. I don’t remember my exact age, however, my siblings and I were quite imaginative during play time. We conjured these elaborate scenes and characters and envisioned ourselves as owners of mansions and castles. We were encouraged by our parents, particularly, our dad, to dream big dreams.

Department of Veterans Affairs (2007), spiritual development can counter the effects of trauma. Spirituality is an experience is a personal relationship with the creator. It can be defined as the inner belief of a person that defines the meaning and purpose for their life. Three dimensions in the field of spirituality are: beliefs, spiritual practices, and spiritual experiences (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007). Spiritual development is important to every individuals because it is the source of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, strength, and direction for their life. Spiritual growth is growing in the spiritual knowledge of Christ Jesus. Isaiah 40:29-31, “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (Nelson 2007, NKJV). The church has received publicity and training on handling trauma of any kind. In disaster stricken areas the church has come to the forefront. Studies have recognize that some people use their religious belief during traumatic events to bring them comfort (Aten, J. D., & Walker, D. F.,

Spirituality is a delicate topic, and some may not be open to talking about their beliefs. Spirituality is generally understood to be an essential aspect of being human (Lyndo-Lam, 2012). Assessing the spiritual needs of patients is a key component in the nursing process. A compassionate and thoughtful nurse can make a patient feel more secure, making it easier for him to express his spirituality. The participation of both patient and health care provider is vital in promoting spiritual health. The main focus of a spiritual assessment is to gather information regarding the patient’s spiritual needs in order incorporate them into the plan of care, so as to treat

“Spirituality is derived from the Latin word spiritus, spirit, the essential part of the person which controls the mind and the mind controls the body. Thus the spirit is the vital life force which motivate people and influence ones life, health behavior and relationships” (Baldacchino & Draper, 2001). She also stated that spirituality is the mainstream of life which unifies all aspects of the human being. Spirituality applies to both believers and non believers, including the presence of diverse cultural beliefs (Baldacchino & Draper, 2001). Culliford stated that : “In times of emotional stress, physical illness, loss, bereavement and death human beings tend to find comfort, peace, inspiration, reverence and meaning by focusing on their spirituality whether they believe in God or not” (Culliford, 2002). In a study conducted by Tuck and Thingajana the meaning of spirituality was voiced by person living with HIV disease and healthy adults. The definitions voiced by the HIV patients were that “Spirituality is relating and believing in God, who is always present. It is perceived as being guided or helped or being inspired or giving unto. Spirituality includes the process of journeying, discovering and centering and is outwardly expressed” (Tuck & Thinganjana, 2007). The definitions of Spirituality expressed by the healthy individuals were that:

Religion and prayer can benefit students in educational settings by positively contributing to better grades and behavior. Personal faith and prayer are important to people in many walks of life. Some individuals believe that this need for religious stimulation includes the youth in our school systems. There are different reasons why knowledge of religion and prayer can be important to students. For example, if students do not know about diverse faiths, it can be difficult for them to have a well-rounded knowledge and understanding of other cultures. There are oppositional sides to this issue as well. Some people believe that prayer in educational settings could be used as a way to persuade students into believing certain things that they