Which are true statements about the definition of spirituality in nursing? (Select all that apply.)

A) Patient's quality of life, health, and sense of wholeness are affected by spirituality
B) An exact definition was developed and adopted in the late 1980s
C) Encompasses principle, an experience, attitudes, and belief regarding God
D) Head knowledge affects spirituality more than heart knowledge
E) Mind, body, spirit, love, and caring are interconnected

The concept of Spirituality is an elusive concept to define. Authors that write about spirituality in nursing advocate the position that a patient's quality of life, health, and sense of wholeness are affected by spirituality, yet still the profession of nursing struggles to define it. Why? There are a number of explanations for this. One explanation is that spirituality represents "heart" not "head" knowledge and "heart" knowledge is difficult to encapsulate into words. A second explanation is that spirituality is unique to each person so a precise definition is somewhat elusive. The definitions of spirituality encompass the following: a principle, an experience, attitudes and belief regarding God, a sense of God, the inner person. Most descriptions of spirituality include not only transcendence but also the connection of mind, body, and spirit, plus love, caring, and compassion and a relationship with the Divine.