The relationship between the spiritual dimension of the nurse-patient relationship and patient well-being

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine if the spiritual dimension of the nurse-patient relationship (SDNPR) contributes to patient well-being. The research design was a nonexperimental, predictive, latent-variable model and two open-ended questions that asked participants to describe nurse characteristics and behaviors important to well-being. The model included age, significant life events, health, social support, and self-transcendence in addition to SDNPR as predictors of well-being. The sample consisted of hospitalized, postoperative adult patients (N = 98). The Spiritual Dimension Inventory (SDI), a 25 item, four dimensional scale was developed to measure SDNPR. Reliability coefficients for the SDI subscales (connection, empathy, commitment, and trust) and for the total scale were .84 and above. Construct validity was established through measurement model testing. Predictive validity was supported by regression analysis. Connection, commitment, and trust explained 53% of the variance of well-being. The predictive model was tested by confirmatory factor analysis and compared to five competing models. The results of the model testing did not support the hypothesized model of SDNPR predicting well-being. Four themes of nurse characteristics emerged from the content analysis of the responses to the open-ended questions: concern for the patient in time of need, being recognized as a person and feeling accepted, competence, and teaching and explaining.