Date of Award

1-1977

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Abstract

The Spiritual Dimensions of Nursing Care by Shirley H. Wipfler explores the often-overlooked role of spirituality in holistic patient care. Submitted as a Master’s thesis to Lindenwood Colleges in 1977, the work addresses a critical gap in conventional medical and nursing practices, emphasizing that true healing must consider not only the body and mind but also the spirit. Wipfler argues that the spiritual needs of patients are frequently neglected, typically relegated to clergy, and rarely integrated into treatment plans.

The thesis is structured into three main parts. The first explores the characteristics, functions, and laws of the human spirit, referencing thought leaders such as Jung, Maslow, and Frankl. Wipfler identifies intuition, communion, and conscience as key spiritual functions and outlines spiritual laws such as forgiveness, self-worth, and gratitude. The second part introduces a Self-Evaluation Tool designed to help healthcare professionals assess patients' spiritual well-being alongside physical and emotional health. The tool is intended to uncover underlying issues that may influence illness and healing, providing a more comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Through a series of case studies and statistical data, Wipfler demonstrates how imbalances in spiritual health often correlate with physical and mental ailments. The final part of the thesis explores holistic health practices including therapeutic touch, spiritual healing, and autogenic training, advocating for their inclusion in standard nursing care.

Wipfler’s work calls for a paradigm shift in nursing education and practice, arguing that addressing spiritual health can lead to improved patient outcomes, greater self-awareness, and more effective adaptation to stress. Her thesis remains a forward-thinking contribution to integrative health care, urging a deeper, more compassionate approach to nursing that honors the whole person.

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