Explaining the Ethical–Spiritual Needs of Adolescents with Life-Threatening Illnesses: An Applied Analysis Based on the Four Principles of Biomedical Ethics

Authors

1 Department of Education, Faculty of Theology, University of Qom, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology, University of Qom, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Medical, University of Isfahan, Iran

10.22081/jare.2025.72751.2082

Abstract

Adolescents with life-threatening illnesses face intertwined ethical and spiritual challenges that can affect their quality of life, human dignity, and participation in treatment decision-making. The present study aimed to identify and explain these ethical–spiritual needs within the framework of the four principles of biomedical ethics and the complementary principle of human dignity. This qualitative study employed a combined approach of grounded theory and thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 adolescents (aged 9–19), their parents, and spiritual caregivers, and were analyzed using coding and Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Findings: revealed that adolescents’ ethical–spiritual needs could be explained across five domains: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence (no damage) , dual justice, and human dignity. Justice was experienced both in the ethical dimension (fair distribution of resources, elimination of discrimination) and in the spiritual dimension (questioning divine justice). Human dignity was tangibly expressed and demanded by adolescents in their interactions with families and healthcare teams. Parents and spiritual caregivers also emphasized the necessity of ethical–spiritual support to reduce suffering, strengthen hope, and alleviate ethical conflicts. Accordingly, integrating biomedical ethics with spirituality may provide a practical and context-sensitive framework to enhance the quality of care for adolescents with life-threatening illnesses.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Quarterly Scientific Journal of Applied Ethics Studies
Volume 21, Issue 3 - Serial Number 81
December 2025
Pages 90-119

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History

  • Receive Date: 31 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 28 October 2025

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