Table 2 Mean values of the items from SpREUK 1.1 and reliability analysis

1: Search for meaningful support

1.5

finding access to a spiritual source can have a positive influence on illness

1.1

Spiritual attitude

1.6

searching for an access to SpR

1.9

urged to spiritual/religious insight

1.7

others might teach and help to develop spirituality

1.4

illness has brought renewed interest in SpR questions

2: Positive interpretation of disease

3.5

illness as a chance for development

3.4

illness has meaning

3.2

illness as a hint to change life

3.7

reflect on what is essential in life because of the illness

2.4

able to affect the course of illness by themselves

3.3

illness encourages me to get to know myself better

3: Trust in external guidance

2.6

Religious attitude

2.5

trust in a higher power.

1.8

looking for purpose and meaning in life

Factors and Items

4: Support in relations with the External life through SpR

4.1

plays a major role in life

4.3

helps to manage life more consciously

4.2

provides deeper connection with the world around

4.4

helps to cope better with illness

4.7

helps to restore mental and physical health

4.8

practicing with others deepens SpR

4.6

helps to view disease as a beneficial challenge for own development

4.9

practicing alone and in silence deepens SpR

4.10

distinct places stimulate SpR

4.5

People who share SpR attitudes are important

5: Support of the Internal life through SpR

5.4

refers to an inner power

5.1

provides feeling of contentment and inner peace

5.2

promotes inner strength.

5.3

refers to a higher (external) power