Healing the Healers: Spirituality, Gratitude, and Well-Being in the Healthcare Workforce

Abstract

The healthcare profession is known for its demanding nature, high levels of stress, and emotional burden, all of which can significantly affect the overall well-being and job satisfaction of health professionals. Previous research has suggested that spirituality and gratitude may promote psychological well-being, resilience, and coping strategies. The intersection of spirituality and gratitude has increasingly attracted scholarly attention as researchers seek to understand the psychological mechanisms that sustain mental health across diverse populations. However, there is a need for more focused research on these variables within the healthcare professional community. This study aims to explore the relationships among spirituality, gratitude, subjective well-being, life satisfaction, and perceived stress among health professionals, including physicians, nurses, allied health workers, and support staff. A correlational study design was employed, utilising validated self-report measures to assess the variables of interest. A diverse sample of health professionals from various healthcare settings was recruited. Data was collected through online or paper-based surveys, ensuring anonymity and confidentiality. The results revealed significant positive correlations between spirituality and gratitude with subjective well-being and life satisfaction, and significant negative correlations with perceived stress among healthcare professionals. This study will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the roles of spirituality and gratitude in promoting well-being and resilience within the healthcare context.