A Descriptive and Phenomenological Exploration of the Spiritual Needs of Chinese Children Hospitalized with Cancer

Abstract

Spiritual well-being is the fourth dimension of health, as equally important as physical, mental, and social well-being. The shadow of death associated with cancer triggers children to explore their personal values, meanings, and life goals throughout the illness trajectory, enabling them to identify their unique spiritual needs. Chinese children are generally non-religious, unlike Western children, which affects their spiritual needs. To address the literature gaps, we applied a qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological approach for exploring the spiritual needs of Chinese children hospitalized with cancer. Purposive sampling was conducted in two public hospitals with special wards for pediatric oncology patients in Hunan Province, China. Consequently, 22 children, hospitalized with cancer, were recruited and individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. We conducted a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. Four important themes were identified: the need for self-exploration, inner needs, need for a connection with others, and need for a connection with gods, supernatural powers, and fictional characters. We found that culture significantly influenced the spiritual needs of Chinese children with cancer. Hope was a key factor motivating the children to continue cancer treatment. To address their unique spiritual needs, culturally specific interventions should be developed and incorporated into their care to enhance their spiritual well-being.

Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy spiritual well-being scale among Chinese childhood cancer patients in China

“…The results from our previous qualitative study indicated that there were three ways adopted by Chinese childhood cancer patients to establish the connection with others. The three ways included expressing their suffering and emotional distress to their loved ones, feeling of being supported by others, and being helpful to others ( Liu et al, 2022 ). Expressing suffering to their loved ones help them to share and manage their losses, concerns and feelings, thus alleviating their spiritual suffering ( Petersen, 2014 ; Liu et al, 2022 ).…”

“…The three ways included expressing their suffering and emotional distress to their loved ones, feeling of being supported by others, and being helpful to others ( Liu et al, 2022 ). Expressing suffering to their loved ones help them to share and manage their losses, concerns and feelings, thus alleviating their spiritual suffering ( Petersen, 2014 ; Liu et al, 2022 ). Feeling of being supported by others can serve as a spiritual support to motivate them to continue the treatment, notwithstanding the suffering caused by cancer ( Petersen, 2014 ; Liu et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Feeling of being supported by others can serve as a spiritual support to motivate them to continue the treatment, notwithstanding the suffering caused by cancer ( Petersen, 2014 ; Liu et al, 2022 ). Being helpful to others allows them to gain appreciations from others, so that they can find their self-value even in this difficult journey ( Liu et al, 2022 ). These three ways of “connection with others” can assist them to overcome an existential crisis, ultimately improving their spiritual well-being.…”

“…Expressing suffering to their loved ones help them to share and manage their losses, concerns and feelings, thus alleviating their spiritual suffering ( Petersen, 2014 ; Liu et al, 2022 ). Feeling of being supported by others can serve as a spiritual support to motivate them to continue the treatment, notwithstanding the suffering caused by cancer ( Petersen, 2014 ; Liu et al, 2022 ). Being helpful to others allows them to gain appreciations from others, so that they can find their self-value even in this difficult journey ( Liu et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Example of questions included “Which experience in your cancer journey makes you feel fulfilled?” and “What is the impact of spirituality on your cancer journey?.” The data was analyzed using the thematic analysis. Details of this qualitative study has been previously published in elsewhere ( Liu et al, 2022 ). In brief, patients’ spiritual needs can be divided into four categories: (1) meaning of cancer in their life, (2) personal inner needs, (3) connections with others, and (4) connections with gods, supernatural powers and fictional characters.…”