Role of spirituality in cancer coping among African Americans: a qualitative examination

• Published in: Journal of cancer survivorship 2008-06, Vol.2 (2), p.104-115
• Main Authors: Schulz, Emily, Holt, Cheryl L., Caplan, Lee, Blake, Victor, Southward, Penny, Buckner, Ayanna, Lawrence, Hope
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; African Americans; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alabama; Black or African American; Black People - psychology; Cancer; Educational Status; Female; Georgia; Health Informatics; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Neoplasms - psychology; Oncology; Patient Selection; Primary Care Medicine; Public Health; Qualitative research; Quality of Life Research; Religion; Religion & psychology; Social support; Spirituality; Survivor
• ISSN: 1932-2259; 1932-2267; 1932-2267
• DOI: 10.1007/s11764-008-0050-5

Introduction This study used qualitative methods to examine whether, and if so how, African American cancer survivors use spirituality in coping with the disease. Spirituality was defined using a model involving connectedness to self, others, a higher power, and the world. Methods Twenty-three African American patients with various forms of cancer were recruited from physician offices and completed 1–1.5 h interviews. Data were coded by multiple coders using an inductive process and open-coding. Results Themes that emerged included, but were not limited to the aforementioned types of connectedness, one theme being connections to God. Given the important role of social support in the cancer experience, participants also emphasized their connectedness to others, which is in support of the spirituality model. Participants also articulated the notion that connections with others were not always positive, indicating that some perceived certain connections as having a detrimental impact on their well-being. Participants also expressed the desire to share their cancer story with others, often gained a new perspective on life, and obtained new self-understanding as a result of their illness experience. Discussion/conclusions Findings indicate that African Americans perceive that spirituality plays a strong role in their cancer coping and survivorship. Spirituality may address a human need for certitude in crisis. Further research is warranted for model testing, and to examine the role of spirituality in cancer coping among those of different backgrounds and cancer types/stages. Implications for cancer survivors These themes may have utility for the development of support interventions for cancer survivors.