Kinship and spirituality:utilizing strengths of caregivers.

Abstract

Kinship caregivers view spirituality and religion as integral and holistic in nature and an essential coping component to their survival as caregivers. This article examines the following eight spirituality and religious themes defined by a group of African American caregivers of children: spirituality and destiny; spirituality and drugs; faith and healing; spirituality and negotiation; surviving through faith; spirituality, religion, and community; religion; worship and the child; and the need for respite through worshiping and self-care. Historical and social aspects regarding the role of spirituality and religion within the African American community are discussed. Qualitative data from a focus group of 19 low income African American kinship caregivers aged 40-70 years are used to present spiritual and religious clinical tools, techniques, and concepts for intervening with kinship caregivers. doi:10.1300/J045v22n03_07.