Exploring the role of spirituality and the meaning of life of family caregivers: a qualitative study in Germany
Kubitza J, Steinmaier V, Lauer N, Pendergrass A, Frick E (2025)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2025
Journal
Book Volume: 24
Article Number: 669
Journal Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-03398-x
Abstract
Background: Family caregivers suffer from multiple strains, e.g., social isolation or lack of leisure time, which has a negative impact on their health, well-being, and quality of life. Spirituality may support in coping with the family caregivers’ burdens. There is currently a lack of studies examining how family caregivers experience the meaning of life and how spirituality helps them to cope. More research is needed to provide quality care to people in need of care and their family caregivers. Methods: The study has an exploratory-descriptive qualitative research design based on semi-structured interviews conducted with 24 family caregivers in Bavaria, Germany. The data generated were transcribed verbatim, and a content analysis approach was used for data reduction, obtaining analytical code, and determining categories. Results: Caring for a relative often leads to changes in the lives of family caregivers, which can affect their experience of meaning. The experience of meaning includes four dimensions: (1) values, (2) aspects before caregiving (past), (3) current situation (present), and (4) expectations after caregiving (future). The experience of meaning goes beyond the current care situation, family caregivers rather clarify what defines their life and how care becomes part of this life. If family caregivers experience meaning in their lives, it helps them to accept their care role, develop a better connection to themselves, and become generally more aware of themselves as individuals with needs and requirements. Three forms of spirituality help family caregivers to experience meaning in life: reflection, awareness, and inner confidence. Conclusion: Regardless of the illness and the specific care needs of the relative, clarifying the meaning of one’s own life is essential to accepting the role of the caregiver and coping with it positively over a long period. Many family caregivers benefit from professional support in this reflective and dynamic process. Clinical trial number: N/A.
Authors with CRIS profile
Natascha Lauer
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Anna Pendergrass
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Kubitza, J., Steinmaier, V., Lauer, N., Pendergrass, A., & Frick, E. (2025). Exploring the role of spirituality and the meaning of life of family caregivers: a qualitative study in Germany. BMC Nursing, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03398-x
MLA:
Kubitza, Jenny, et al. "Exploring the role of spirituality and the meaning of life of family caregivers: a qualitative study in Germany." BMC Nursing 24.1 (2025).
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