Between science and transcendence: social representations of professionals about religiosity and spirituality in pediatric terminality.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the social representations of religiosity and spirituality among healthcare professionals, as well as their expressions in the care provided to pediatric patients experiencing terminal illness. METHODS: a qualitative, descriptive study conducted with 30 healthcare professionals at a pediatric hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Data collection was conducted through interviews and analyzed using Alceste software, based on the Theory of Social Representations. RESULTS: participants recognized religiosity and spirituality as significant resources for comfort and coping with terminal illness. However, they reported obstacles related to institutional limitations and a lack of specific training and structure to integrate this dimension into care. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: religiosity and spirituality constitute relevant therapeutic resources for both families and professionals. However, their effective incorporation requires specific training, institutional guidelines, and appropriate spaces to promote ethical, comprehensive, and humanized care.