RSU explores spiritual intelligence in individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases

Chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses are not only physical challenges but also significant emotional burdens. Today, they rank among the leading public health concerns.

In the long term, chronic illnesses increase the risk of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and heightened stress. In her bachelor’s thesis, Māra Lasmane, a first-year student in the professional master’s programme in Health Psychology at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), explored how spiritual practices and self-help methods can benefit patients with chronic non-communicable diseases. Incorporating these practices into daily life as self-help strategies could enhance well-being and improve overall quality of life.

The connection between spiritual practices and health

There are various forms of self-help, such as leisure activities, solitude and silence, or drawing inspiration from nature. One such approach is spiritual practice.

What does this entail? It refers to any activity designed to foster spirituality or achieve spiritual experiences. Examples include meditation, prayer, expressing gratitude, and spending time in nature. These practices can be followed within a religious framework—such as attending a congregation, church, synagogue, or temple, or engaging in prayer—or independently, through mindfulness and gratitude exercises

Research suggests a positive correlation between incorporating spiritual practices and the psychological resilience, mental health, and well-being of individuals with chronic illnesses. Such practices help reduce stress, promote a more positive outlook on life, and improve sleep quality and emotional balance.

What is spiritual intelligence?

Individuals who consciously engage with spirituality often develop what is referred to as spiritual intelligence. Professor David Brian King from the University of British Columbia defines spiritual intelligence as the cognitive ability to comprehend life’s deeper, non-material values and apply them in everyday life, even in challenging situations. Notably, a high level of spiritual intelligence does not necessarily imply adherence to any religious belief or system of faith.

Research suggests that individuals with higher spiritual intelligence tend to reflect more deeply on their lives, build stronger connections with others, and find peace and purpose even in difficult circumstances. Moreover, well-developed spiritual intelligence enables individuals to adapt more consciously to life’s hardships while maintaining emotional balance—for instance, when faced with a serious medical diagnosis.

Seeing the positive in life despite illness

276 participants (aged 19-87) with self-reported chronic illnesses participated in Lasmane’s study on spiritual intelligence and spiritual practices as self-help methods. The study results indicate significant positive correlations between spiritual intelligence and spiritual practices. Specifically, individuals with higher levels of spiritual intelligence are more likely to be interested in and willing to engage in spiritual practices. Furthermore, individuals who were previously passive in managing their illness are more likely to become actively involved in its management through spiritual practices.

The study also found that practising certain spiritual practices is associated with higher levels of spiritual intelligence in individuals with chronic conditions. Spiritual intelligence is predicted by participation in religious practices, such as praying for oneself and others, as well as mind-body practices including meditation, yoga, qigong, mindfulness exercises, and the practice of gratitude and reverence. Of these, gratitude and reverence practices most strongly predict spiritual intelligence.

Chronic patients who, despite their condition, are better able to appreciate beauty in nature and people, and who experience a strong sense of gratitude or awe-inspired reverence, tend to have higher spiritual intelligence. The feeling of gratitude and reverence helps individuals perceive the positive aspects of life, despite the symptoms of illness, and fosters better acceptance of their condition. Practising these spiritual practices in the face of chronic illness can help individuals accept life’s challenges and find a sense of purpose. They can enable individuals to gain a clearer understanding of their priorities, make wiser decisions, and become more aware of their deeper values.

Source: Mammamuntetiem.lv