O PAPEL DA ESPIRITUALIDADE EM CUIDADORES DE CRIANÇAS COM PARALISIA CEREBRAL DA CLÍNICA ESCOLA SANTA EDWIGES
O PAPEL DA ESPIRITUALIDADE EM CUIDADORES DE CRIANÇAS COM PARALISIA CEREBRAL DA CLÍNICA ESCOLA SANTA EDWIGES
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.80892826040510
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Palavras-chave: Espiritualidade, Cuidadores, Paralisia Cerebral
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Keywords: Spirituality.Caregivers.Cerebral Palsy
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Abstract: Introduction: Cerebral palsy is a prevalent neurological condition in childhood that leads to motor and functional limitations, requiring continuous and intensive care from caregivers. This context can generate physical, emotional, and social burden, making it important to investigate coping strategies such as spirituality, which has been associated with well-being and adaptation in adverse situations. . Objective: To understand the role of spirituality in caregivers of children with cerebral palsy treated at the Santa Edwiges clinic school. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted between November and December 2025. The sample consisted of 7 caregivers selected by convenience sampling. Two instruments were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire developed by the researcher and the Duke Religion Index (DUREL), which assesses organizational, non-organizational, and intrinsic religiosity. Data were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies and presented in tables using Excel. The study was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Findings: There was a predominance of female participants (85.7%), aged between 25 and 40 years, mostly single (71.4%), and with a family income of up to one minimum wage (100%). Although 85.7% reported no diagnosed disease, 57.1% rated their health as fair. Catholic religion predominated (57.1%), and 42.9% reported that spirituality fully influences their lives. DUREL results indicated low organizational religiosity, higher frequency of individual practices (such as daily prayers), and low to moderate levels of intrinsic religiosity, with scores ranging from 6 to 14. Scientific Contribution: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting spirituality as an important coping resource among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy, especially in socioeconomically vulnerable contexts. It also emphasizes the need for further research on this topic in the Brazilian context. Conclusion: Spirituality plays a relevant role in coping with caregiving demands, mainly through individual practices adapted to caregivers' routines. Even at moderate levels, it can positively influence emotional well-being. Further studies are needed to deepen the understanding of this relationship and to support more comprehensive and humanized care practices.
- Lorena Fernandes Araujo