The study investigates how religious beliefs affect intimate experiences during the final stage of life and analyzes their role in shaping the psychosocial and spiritual wellbeing of people who are terminally ill. End-of-life intimacy is considered an important aspect of human existence that plays an essential part in coping with death anxiety, grief and bereavement, and experiencing meaningful closure.
How does religion shape end-of-life intimacy? Religious individuals tend to have a unique understanding of life and death based on their faith's teachings about afterlife and eternal salvation. This can lead them to prioritize spiritual concerns over physical ones, resulting in heightened fear and anxiety regarding the possibility of dying without being saved or accepted into heaven.
Christians believe that all humans are sinners, and only through Jesus Christ's sacrifice can they be redeemed from sin and receive forgiveness. Muslims also believe in the concept of 'Kalam', where Allah has full control over life and death, which makes them feel vulnerable to divine will even when facing imminent demise.
These worldviews influence how patients perceive their mortality, leading some to seek comfort from their faith while others struggle to reconcile these beliefs with their terminal prognosis.
Different religions may prescribe specific practices such as prayer, confession, or rituals related to death rites that impact end-of-life intimacy.
Catholics perform Last Rites before death, which include extreme unction (anointing), penance, viaticum (Eucharist), and final prayers.
Religious communities provide emotional support by offering counseling services, bereavement groups, funeral arrangements, and companionship during illness. They often act as a social network for terminally ill people, providing a sense of belonging and purpose, which enhances their quality of life.
This closeness between individuals and their community may prevent them from having deep intimate relationships outside it.
Religion is a crucial determinant of an individual's end-of-life experience, shaping their spiritual wellbeing and influencing their approach towards intimacy. It can help them find meaning and closure, but it can also impede open communication about sexuality and intimacy with loved ones. Understanding the role of religion in shaping end-of-life intimacy is essential for healthcare providers who want to provide culturally sensitive care tailored to each patient's needs.