How Spirituality, Religion and/or Faith Influences Adaptation in Families of Children with Down Syndrome in the United States

Introduction: Limited attention has been devoted to exploring how spirituality, religion, and/or faith influence adaptation in families of individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Therefore, the purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore how spirituality, religion and/or faith influence adaptation in families of individuals with DS. Methods: For this secondary analysis, directed content analysis was used to analyze 23 interviews that included comments about spirituality, religion and/or faith. These interviews came from two earlier studies concerning adaptation and resilience in families of individuals with DS, families of children with congenital heart disease (CHD), and families of children with both conditions. Results: Many participants used their personal beliefs pertaining to spirituality, religion, and/or faith to make sense of the DS diagnosis and reported feeling “chosen” by God to take care of their child. Parents also reported finding hope and family strength through the support of loved ones, as well as through their spirituality, religion and/or faith. All of the participants who talked about their church being a source of trust reported feeling supported and having a sense of connection, which aided in coping with the DS diagnosis. Spiritual practices, such as praying, receiving religious sacraments, talking and listening to God, and reading the Bible, were shown to also help participants better deal with their child’s DS diagnosis. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study and similar studies examining the impact spirituality, religion, and/or faith can have on the adaptation process of a chronic illness, it is important for healthcare professionals to consider providing spiritual, religious, and faith-based care to patients and families.