ABSTRACT
Research participants associated the term 'spirituality' with meaning and purpose in life. Their experience reflects a pattern in the development of belief, the outcome of which, whether religious or non-religious, is a significant resource in regulating distress associated with loss as well as shaping coping strategies. Many had been socialized into practising a religion within their family culture, and, in sharing these details they implied an association of the term 'spirituality', initially at least, with religious belief. Outside of comment that was theistic in its reference to God or the religious, most interviewees did give further account of their understanding of the meaning of spirituality that conveyed a non-religious perspective. Many nurses have developed a personal philosophy that helps them cope with repeated exposure to situations of loss. There was some suggestion that coping philosophies were linked to particular personal qualities necessary to survive in end of life care environments.
