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Event will provide an overview of an IRB approved mixed-methods project seeking to understand the spiritual well-being of Veterans who have experienced disability. The project was conducted with Veterans in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit and Blind Rehabilitation Center. One aim was to identify spiritual needs or concerns for this population that could ultimately improve patient care. The second aim was to examine spiritual development across the lifespan and within the context of disability. Participants were administered questionnaires measuring demographics, psychological distress (DASS-21), spiritual health (Spiritual Well-being Scale), religious coping (Brief RCOPE), and overall well-being (Personal Well-being Index - Adult). Method also included semi-structured qualitative interviews where each participant was asked about their spiritual development in relation to vision loss. The data was analyzed for overarching themes. Findings help to provide support for the value in asking Veterans about their spiritual experiences and beliefs as well as exploring ways in which their disability has impacted their spiritual life and personal development. |
