ABSTRACT
Addressing the nature of spiritual abuse leads logically to a consideration of the scope of the problem. While the incidence of spiritual abuse appears to be most prevalent in the lower socioeconomic level of society, it can be found at all levels. Physical illness is common for persons in complicated grief. According to the principles of psychopathology, there is an integral connection between the body and the mind. Therefore, stress caused by spiritual abuse, or any other stressor, has the potential to depress a person’s immune system making it more likely one will become physically ill. A multidimensional case of complicated grief is illustrated by Martha. The hospice philosophy is that the patient and family are one unit of care. The mission is to meet the needs of both. At times these needs may appear to be, and in fact are, mutually exclusive.
