The article, entitled “Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in the Clinical Practice of Lifestyle Medicine,” is the culmination of insights from a 2025 national summit convened by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) in partnership with the Global Positive Health Institute, with funding support from the Ardmore Institute of Health. The gathering of nearly one hundred experts synthesized decades of research within a clinically actionable framework. This summit represents a pivotal moment in reconciling empirical data with practical care strategies, advancing a holistic vision for medicine that acknowledges the intricate connections between existential well-being and physical health.

There exists a growing compendium of empirical evidence demonstrating that patients who experience a sense of meaning and purpose, alongside spiritual well-being, exhibit superior health behaviors, enhanced psychological resilience, and improved overall well-being. These individuals also appear to benefit from a reduced risk of mortality. Despite acknowledgments by significant organizations such as the Joint Commission and the American Medical Association about spirituality’s relevance, clinical application remains inconsistent and sporadic. This article seeks to institutionalize these dimensions within routine healthcare, urging a systemic shift toward holistic patient acknowledgment.

Dr. Marc Braman, MD, MPH, lead author of the paper, highlights the profound need to treat patients as whole human beings rather than disjointed clinical cases. He emphasizes that lifestyle interventions yield their maximum benefit when they resonate with what genuinely matters to patients’ lives. Health improvements, he posits, are not merely medical outcomes but are intrinsically linked to the human drive for significance and purposeful existence. The neurological and psychosocial underpinnings of behavior change are deeply intertwined with patients’ value systems and meaning-making processes, presenting a compelling argument for integrating MPS into clinical encounters.

To translate theory into practice, the article offers pragmatic, scalable tools designed to embed MPS assessment and support within the clinical workflow. These tools include brief spiritual histories, comprehensive whole-person care frameworks, and collaborative team-based models that incorporate MPS into patient intake, documentation, follow-up care, and group visits. Importantly, the authors underscore that such conversations and interventions must be culturally sensitive, patient-led, and situated within an environment of trust and compassion, respecting diverse beliefs and backgrounds.

The toolkit developed alongside this paper serves as a practical resource for clinicians seeking to implement these strategies. It equips professionals with methodologies and communication approaches to effectively capture patients’ spiritual and existential dimensions, thereby facilitating more meaningful patient-provider exchanges and personalized care planning. By operationalizing these concepts, clinicians can foster adherence to lifestyle modifications and robustly support patients’ long-term health trajectories.

At the systemic level, the article identifies critical transformations necessary to support the integration of MPS in clinical medicine. Chief among these are the alignment of reimbursement models to incentivize comprehensive care, the formulation of meaningful metrics to measure the impact of spiritual care components, and expanded clinician training focused on whole-person care paradigms. These institutional changes are essential to embed MPS as a consistent element of healthcare delivery rather than an episodic or discretionary addition.

Additionally, the article reflects on ACLM’s forward-thinking expansion of the lifestyle medicine connectedness pillar, which now offers a conceptual and operational space for spirituality integration. This progression provides a unique opportunity for the field to explicitly incorporate spirituality into its evidence-based frameworks, grounding this approach in established lifestyle medicine principles while highlighting the transformative potential of a truly holistic healthcare model.

This article is part of a broader special issue in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine dedicated to the exploration of meaning, purpose, and spirituality and their profound implications for healthcare. The special issue collectively addresses themes including the robust evidence base underpinning the integration of MPS, practical clinical implementation strategies, educational initiatives for health professionals, and systemic considerations for clinician well-being. As such, it represents a significant advancement in defining the role of existential well-being in comprehensive patient care.

Reflecting on the value of this special issue, ACLM’s Senior Director of Research and Quality, Dr. Micaela Karlsen, PhD, MSPH, articulates the imperative that clinicians not only aim to ensure patient survival but to enable thriving. She emphasizes that comprehending every driver of health—including meaning, purpose, and spirituality—is paramount to achieving this goal. This perspective aligns with broader calls for patient-centered, value-based care models that respect and leverage the complex interplay of psychological, sociocultural, and biological factors.

In a healthcare environment increasingly dominated by metrics and efficiency demands, this research serves as a timely reminder of the fundamentally human dimensions underlying health and healing. By foregrounding MPS within clinical practice, this approach seeks not only to optimize health outcomes but also to restore a sense of dignity, relational depth, and authentic connection between patients and providers. It reframes lifestyle medicine as an integrative discipline poised to lead a transformative shift toward renewal of whole-person care.

The endorsement and dissemination of this research by prominent organizations and journals signify a critical endorsement of spirituality’s role in medicine. It underscores a paradigm shift where existential factors are no longer relegated to the periphery but are central to understanding and promoting health. Such systemic integration has the potential to enhance clinical efficacy and satisfaction for both patients and clinicians, fostering a more compassionate and effective healthcare system that fulfills the lofty ambitions of the Quintuple Aim.

As healthcare systems globally grapple with chronic disease challenges, lifestyle medicine’s broadened scope now promises to harness the power of meaning, purpose, and spirituality, setting a new standard for medical education, clinical practice, and research. This evolution not only supports improved physical health but endeavors to cultivate thriving individuals who can navigate life’s complexities with resilience, hope, and a profound sense of connection.

Subject of Research: Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality integration in clinical lifestyle medicine practice.

Article Title: Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in the Clinical Practice of Lifestyle Medicine

News Publication Date: March 5, 2026

Web References:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15598276261419395
https://connect.lifestylemedicine.org/viewdocument/meaning-purpose-spirituality-toolkit

About Lifestyle Medicine

Keywords: Meaning and Purpose, Spirituality, Lifestyle Medicine, Whole-Person Care, Clinical Practice, Health Behavior, Psychological Resilience, Patient-Centered Care, Medical Education, Chronic Disease, Healthcare System Reform, Connectedness Pillar

The study was meticulously designed to examine how resilience acts as a mediator in the relationship between spiritual health and self-efficacy. Researchers recruited a sample of elderly patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. The significance of the study lies in its focus on a demographic that is often particularly vulnerable, addressing not only the clinical aspects of post-heart attack recovery but also the mental and spiritual dimensions that play a crucial role in overall health outcomes.

One of the key findings of this study underscores the importance of spiritual health. Spiritual well-being has been shown to have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to cope with stress and adversity. In the context of elderly patients recovering from a cardiac event, those who reported higher levels of spiritual health were found to exhibit greater resilience. This resilience, in turn, positively influenced their self-efficacy—the belief in their ability to manage situations and challenges resulting from their condition.

The researchers employed a series of validated measurement tools to assess spiritual health, resilience, and self-efficacy. By using these rigorous methodologies, they ensured the reliability and validity of their findings. The data gathered not only provided quantitative insights but also highlighted the qualitative experiences of the participants, enriching the understanding of how spiritual health interacts with psychological resilience and self-belief in the face of health challenges.

Furthermore, the implications of this research extend beyond academic interest. They signal critical considerations for healthcare providers who are engaged in the care of elderly patients. The findings advocate for a holistic approach to patient care, one that encompasses not only medical treatment but also attention to spiritual and emotional needs. By fostering an environment that supports spiritual health, healthcare professionals may enhance resilience among their patients, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life.

The concept of resilience is particularly noteworthy in the context of aging. As individuals navigate the complexities of late-life health challenges, resilience becomes an essential trait that can significantly influence recovery trajectories. This study provides empirical evidence that resilience is not merely an inherent trait but can be cultivated and strengthened through various means, including spiritual practices and support systems.

In the realm of public health, these findings carry profound implications. As the population ages, there is a growing need to address the comprehensive needs of elderly patients. Traditional medical models often overlook the psychological aspects of health, which are equally crucial for effective recovery and adaptation. This research serves as a clarion call for the integration of mental health services, spiritual care, and resilience-building interventions in geriatric medicine.

Moreover, the role of spiritual health as a protective factor against the detrimental effects of myocardial infarction cannot be understated. Studies have consistently shown that individuals with strong spiritual beliefs tend to experience lower levels of anxiety and depression, which are common among patients recovering from serious health events. These emotional states can significantly hinder rehabilitation efforts, making it imperative to address them proactively.

As the medical community continues to grapple with the multifaceted nature of health, the revelations from this research signal a paradigm shift. The recognition that spiritual health can bolster resilience and self-efficacy positions it as a vital component of comprehensive care strategies for elderly patients. This aligns with an evolving understanding of health as a biopsychosocial phenomenon rather than a mere anatomical concern.

In conclusion, this study highlights a critical intersection between spirituality, resilience, and self-efficacy among elderly post-myocardial infarction patients. The findings advocate for a more integrated approach to healthcare that recognizes the importance of addressing the psychological and spiritual needs of patients. As future studies build upon these insights, we can anticipate a broader understanding of how such factors contribute to effective rehabilitation and overall well-being in aging populations.

The impact of these findings extends beyond individual patients to inform clinical practices, healthcare policies, and support systems designed for elderly individuals. By embracing a holistic model that encompasses spiritual health and resilience, the healthcare community can enhance recovery outcomes for one of its most vulnerable populations.

Ultimately, as we look toward the future of geriatric care, it is clear that fostering resilience and promoting spiritual health will be integral to helping elderly patients navigate the complexities of recovery from myocardial infarction and other health challenges. As this field of research progresses, ongoing dialogue and collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and patients will be essential in shaping effective, compassionate care practices.

Subject of Research: The mediating role of resilience in the relationship between spiritual health and self-efficacy in elderly patients with myocardial infarction.

Article Title: Examining the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between spiritual health and self-efficacy in elderly patients with myocardial infarction.

Article References: Mollaei, M., Heydari, F., Hosseinkhani, Z. et al. Examining the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between spiritual health and self-efficacy in elderly patients with myocardial infarction. BMC Geriatr 25, 971 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06661-7

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06661-7

Keywords: resilience, spiritual health, self-efficacy, elderly patients, myocardial infarction, holistic care, geriatric medicine.

Leukemia, a relentless hematological malignancy, poses not only a critical threat to the child’s physical health but also precipitates profound psychological strain on the family unit, particularly the primary caregiver. Mothers, often becoming the epicenter of emotional, logistical, and caregiving management, face a confluence of stressors that can erode their mental resilience and sense of control. Conventional psychosocial supports have typically focused on general counseling or peer support, leaving a nuanced aspect of emotional healing—spiritual well-being—comparatively underexplored. This study embarks on exploring that tangible yet frequently intangible dimension, proposing that spiritual care, tailored for individual belief systems and existential needs, can foster a renewed sense of efficacy and reduce caregiver burden.

At the core of the study is a spiritual care program designed with a multidisciplinary approach, integrating psychological counseling, reflective practices, and culturally sensitive spiritual discussions. Unlike traditional therapeutic modalities that primarily target symptom management or cognitive restructuring, spiritual care delves into existential questions, fostering meaning-making, hope, and inner peace—elements that psychosocial literature increasingly recognizes as critical determinants of mental health. The program was administered over multiple sessions, carefully calibrated to respect participants’ diverse backgrounds and individual faith frameworks, thereby avoiding any prescriptive or doctrinal imposition.

Quantitative assessments conducted pre- and post-intervention revealed striking outcomes in self-efficacy scores among participant mothers. Self-efficacy, defined as the belief in one’s capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments, is crucial in caregiving scenarios where unpredictability and high stakes compound stress. The increase in self-efficacy observed suggests that spiritual care imbued mothers with enhanced confidence in their caregiving abilities, decision-making, and emotional regulation. This psychological fortification likely enables a more adaptive response to the relentless challenges posed by a child’s leukemia diagnosis and treatment regimen.

Equally compelling was the noteworthy reduction in perceived burden, a composite construct encompassing emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, social isolation, and financial strain. The decrease was not merely incremental but sufficiently pronounced to infer a substantive improvement in quality of life metrics for these caregivers. The spiritual care program’s emphasis on holistic healing—addressing mind, body, and spirit—may disrupt the cyclical patterns of burnout that often plague caregivers in chronic illness contexts, creating a buffer against the detrimental effects of sustained caregiver stress.

The implications of these findings reverberate beyond the immediate cohort, signaling a paradigm shift in patient and family-centered care models. Healthcare providers are encouraged to view spiritual care not as an ancillary or optional service but as a core component of supportive care frameworks. This holistic integration could engender systemic changes, promoting interdisciplinary teams inclusive of chaplains, spiritual counselors, and psychologists operating synergistically to holistically address caregiver needs.

Technically, the research employed rigorous methodology, including validated psychometric instruments to gauge self-efficacy and caregiver burden, ensuring reliability and validity in outcome measurements. The study design incorporated control measures to mitigate confounding variables, and statistical analyses underscored the significance of the observed effects, lending empirical robustness to the spiritual care intervention’s effectiveness. Such methodological rigor enhances the generalizability of findings across varied cultural and clinical settings, potentially guiding future multi-site initiatives and large-scale implementations.

From a neuropsychological perspective, the intervention’s success may be partly attributable to its capacity to modulate stress-related neural pathways. Chronic stress experienced by caregivers activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to elevated cortisol levels and deleterious effects on cognitive and emotional processing centers such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Spiritual care practices, including mindfulness, meditation, and prayer, have been shown in ancillary literature to attenuate HPA axis hyperactivity, fostering neuroplasticity conducive to resilience and emotional regulation. This physiological buffering might underlie the enhanced self-efficacy and reduced burden documented in the participants.

Moreover, the sociocultural sensitivity embedded in the program’s delivery likely contributed to its resonance and effectiveness. Recognizing the heterogeneity in spiritual beliefs and customs among participants ensured that the care extended was not homogenized but tailored, respectful, and empowering. Such a nuanced approach acknowledges spirituality’s multifaceted role in human experience, transcending mere religiosity to encompass broader existential meaning and connectedness frameworks, thereby striking a chord with diverse maternal caregivers.

Importantly, the study’s temporal framework, tracking short- to medium-term outcomes, offers critical insights into how spiritual care’s benefits may evolve or sustain over time. Although longitudinal data are yet to be robustly established, initial indications suggest sustained improvements in psychological well-being and caregiver resilience. Future research trajectories could focus on longitudinal assessments with periodic booster sessions to explore maintenance effects, relapse prevention, and potential dose-response relationships in spiritual care intervention delivery.

In the context of global health, where pediatric leukemia incidence continues to impose substantial psychosocial and economic burdens, integrating spiritual care could serve as a cost-effective adjunct to conventional therapeutic regimens. Reducing caregiver burden may indirectly contribute to improved patient adherence, better treatment outcomes, and overall family functioning, thereby amplifying systemic healthcare efficacy. Policymakers and healthcare administrators might consider allocating resources and training programs toward building competence in spiritual care provision within pediatric oncology services.

Challenges, of course, abound in operationalizing spiritual care universally. Variations in cultural perceptions of spirituality, resource constraints, and potential skepticism toward non-biomedical interventions require careful navigation. Nonetheless, the documented success of this program offers a beacon, illustrating that with thoughtful design and interdisciplinary collaboration, spiritual care can be seamlessly embedded within clinical pathways, enhancing both caregiver well-being and patient-centered outcomes.

Furthermore, this research invites a reevaluation of psychosocial intervention frameworks that predominantly emphasize cognitive-behavioral and social support strategies, advocating for a complementary expansion into spiritual dimensions. Such integration may enrich the therapeutic milieu, addressing the deeper existential crises often precipitated by pediatric cancer diagnoses and offering pathways toward meaning, hope, and resilience that transcend conventional psychological paradigms.

In sum, this pioneering study foregrounds spiritual care as a vital, evidence-based modality capable of elevating maternal caregivers’ self-efficacy while mitigating the multifaceted burdens imposed by pediatric leukemia. By bridging the domains of psychology, spirituality, and medicine, it charts a transformative course toward holistic caregiving paradigms that honor the full spectrum of human experience amid the crucible of illness. As healthcare continues to evolve, integrating such interdisciplinary innovations promises not only improved outcomes but profound enhancements in the lived realities of families navigating the complexities of childhood cancer.

Subject of Research: Impact of spiritual care program on self-efficacy and burden in mothers of children with leukemia

Article Title: Impact of spiritual care program on self-efficacy and burden in mothers of children with leukemia

Article References:
Bagheri, S., Sharifi Rigi, Z., Paran, M. et al. Impact of spiritual care program on self-efficacy and burden in mothers of children with leukemia. BMC Psychol 13, 583 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02908-5

Image Credits: AI Generated