Spirituality in Chinese context: a perspective from elders and their relatives in Hong Kong

Abstract

AIMS: Spirituality is the basic dimension of human development and plays an important role in performing a holistic care of the human being. This study aims to explore the elder’s views on the perception and conceptualization toward spirituality in Chinese context. METHOD: Four focus groups were run that guided by a semi-structured interview guideline. Participants were purposefully recruited from residential homes and community centres run by TWGHs including elders, staff and carers. RESULTS: In the views of the Chinese older adults and their caregivers, the conceptualization of spirituality is in line with Chinese collective culture tradition such as family-oriented and relationship-directed with very limited religious element. Traditional Confucian value also guided them to interaction with those complex social relations. Maintaining a harmonious relationship is a way to achieve their spirituality and optimal being in life. The framework of Chinese spirituality model is then developed, which conceptualizes spirituality as a dynamic status of purposing harmonious relationships between the person and his/her environment. This includes his/her ancestors, and/or “God”, the nature, the people around and him/herself. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study suggest that from elders’ and their relatives’ perspective, the concept of spirituality in Chinese context should be understood in regard with relation-orientation and interdependent self-construct of Chinese people. Emphasis on helping elders to expand harmonious relationships with different systems can improve their spirituality in holistic care.