Conceptualizing Spiritual Psychotherapy as a Nursing Intervention: A Concept Analysis.

Purpose

Spiritual psychotherapy has been increasingly used in nursing; however, conceptual diversity limits its consistent use in addressing psychological and spiritual distress. The current article presents a concept analysis of spiritual psychotherapy as a nursing intervention to define its attributes, antecedents, consequences, and operational meaning for psychosocial and spiritual nursing practice.

Method

An international literature review was conducted using Walker and Avant's concept analysis to identify recurring psychospiritual patterns.

Results

Five defining attributes were identified: guided meaning-making, therapeutic spiritual presence, activation of inner healing, mind-spirit integration, and a sacred therapeutic relationship. Antecedents included spiritual or existential distress, emotional vulnerability, spiritual readiness, a trusting nurse-patient relationship, supportive environments, and nurses' spiritual awareness. Conceptual consequences comprised enhanced spiritual well-being, emotional regulation, resilience, meaning reconstruction, and reduced existential distress.

Conclusion

This clarification of spiritual care provides a conceptual foundation for psychosocial and mental health nursing practice, supporting its intentional integration into holistic nursing interventions.