Which scenario best describes spiritual abuse?

• A. A staff member prohibits a resident from praying entirely
• B. A staff member ignores a resident’s dietary needs
• C. A staff member enforces strict check-in times for visits
• D. A staff member alters a resident’s medical plan without consent

Answer: (A)

Spiritual abuse happens when a caregiver uses power to control or dismiss a resident’s religious beliefs, practices, or expressions. Prohibiting a resident from praying entirely demonstrates manipulating and denying that person’s right to spiritual expression, which is a direct violation of their autonomy and dignity. This kind of control over what a person can or cannot do in their faith life is the clearest example of spiritual abuse.

The other scenarios involve different issues: ignoring dietary needs is neglect related to health and safety, not spirituality; enforcing strict visit check-in times is about boundaries and routines; and altering a medical plan without consent is a violation of medical autonomy and informed consent.