Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Perception of Elderly Care Students and Their Hopelessness Levels: A Turkish Example.

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between spirituality, perceptions of spiritual care, and hopelessness among elderly care technician students in Türkiye. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 284 students through a sociodemographic form, the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). The mean SSCRS score was 63.41 ± 8.76, indicating high spiritual sensitivity. Subscale scores were: Spirituality and Spiritual Care (26.58 ± 5.40), Religiosity (15.47 ± 1.83), and Individual Care (14.22 ± 2.88). The mean BHS score was 5.72 ± 4.86, reflecting low hopelessness. A weak negative correlation was found between spirituality and hopelessness. Despite students' limited ability to define the concepts of spirituality and spiritual care, their elevated scores on the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS)-particularly within the 'Spirituality and Spiritual Care' and 'Religiosity' subscales-indicate a strong internalization of these values. This suggests that, although theoretical understanding is insufficient, students recognize the practical significance of spiritual care and perceive religiosity as an integral component of holistic care. Furthermore, the strong performance in the Religiosity subscale implies that students view spiritual care not only as psychological or emotional support but also as encompassing faith-based dimensions, such as prayer and religious practices. Integrating theoretical and practical spiritual care education into elderly care programs may help students combine faith-based values with professional skills, maintain hope, and improve care quality.