Spiritual Care for Adolescents and Young Adults

Spiritual care needs are rarely met among adolescents and young adults (AYA) whose lives have been affected by serious illness. The chapter discusses the significance of spirituality for AYAs in palliative care in the context of cancer. By reviewing the literature and introducing notions about both young adult cancer studies and more general palliative care studies, the chapter reveals that the need for information and honest discussion lingers among AYAs in palliative care. Such need for dialogue includes a spiritual and existential component. Furthermore, reflections are required for the formation of mortality salience to allow a dying patient to let go of self-blame and to form the required new identity. Various religious and spiritual elements may provide consolation and comfort in proximity to death. In palliative care, close relationships foster hope, but the proximity of death also challenges important relationships. For those for whom spirituality matters, this creates an opportunity to support an individual in this turmoil and may improve quality of life. As spirituality is a culturally bound term and difficult for young adults themselves to use, it is suggested that future research utilise concepts such as meaning, purpose, and hope.