ABSTRACT
KEYWORDS. Transpersonal, illness, disability, cystic fibrosis, social work
Hundreds of studies have accumulated in health, mental health, and social work literature on the ways that religious and nonreligious spiritual beliefs and practices contribute to resilience for people with illnesses, disabilities, and other adversities (e.g., Aguilar, 1997; Beckerman & Rock, 1996; Berland, 1995; Canda, Nakashima, Burgess, & Russel, 1999; Dossey, 1993; Dunbar, Mueller, Medina, & Wolf, 1998; Fewell & Vadasy, 1986; Hawks, Hull, Thalman & Richins, 1995; Matthews, Larson, & Barry, 1993; McMillen, 1999; Saleebey, 1997; Sidell, 1997; Turnbull et aI., 1993; Young & McNicoll, 1998). These studies have examined the physical and psychosocial benefits provided by personal practices of prayer, meditation, and alternative medical treatments; the social and logistical support given by members of religious communities; and people's efforts to construct a sense of meaning and hope in the midst of chronic distress and crisis. These studies suggest that people's self-care (both conventional medical and alternative), community support, compliance with medical treatments, and self-understanding can all be enhanced by a person's consistent spiritual search for a sense of meaning and purpose as well as particular religious practices and beliefs.
