Spiritual Support Tools for Grieving

Spirituality has been shown to support well-being and resilience. Numerous studies found that those who integrate spirituality into their lives tend to exhibit higher self-esteem and self-efficacy, along with experiencing positive emotions such as hope and forgiveness. Additionally, spirituality has been shown to improve pain tolerance, reduce anxiety, and foster more positive moods, enhancing resilience against both physical and psychological distress. These findings underline the importance of supporting the spiritual needs of grieving or suffering individuals.

This chapter explores a variety of spiritual tools that can be tailored to meet specific personal and cultural needs. From remembrance services and personal altars to guided visualizations, these tools offer more than symbolic gestures—they create tangible, embodied experiences. Rituals, in particular, engage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, providing structure, motivation, and a sense of control during the grieving process.

Given the culturally constructed nature of symbols, meanings, and rituals, it is essential for care providers to collaborate with those they support, ensuring that spiritual tools align with their cultural identities and worldviews. The examples provided in this chapter are meant to inspire exploration and adaptation, offering care providers practical, behavior-based tools that foster a sense of peace, connection, and purpose.