Aspects of Spirituality and Life Satisfaction in Persons With Down Syndrome. (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Büssing, Arndt; Broghammer-Escher, Silke; Baumann, Klaus; Surzykiewicz, Janusz
• Is Part Of: Journal of disability & religion. Volume 21:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: aspects of spirituality -- Down syndrome -- inclusion -- life satisfaction -- spirituality -- spiritual needs; Church work with people with disabilities -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Religious life -- Periodicals; 259.4
• DOI: 10.1080/23312521.2016.1270179
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2331-2521

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In a cross-sectional survey among 65 persons with Down syndrome, the authors intended to identify emotional and behavioral aspects of spirituality that were of importance to them. Feelings of wondering awe, praying, and church attendance were stated rather seldom, whereas many had frequent experiences of gratefulness. Those living without their parents were more in need of concrete personal relationships and relied on transcendent sources of help. Life satisfaction correlated best with feelings that God is at their side. Although the relational aspects of spirituality were of particular importance to those in our sample, it remains uncertain who can support these essential needs when many of them lack reliable family structures.