Caregiving experiences predict changes in spiritual well-being among family caregivers of cancer patients

Abstract

Objective Although enhanced spiritual well-being has been linked to positive mental health outcomes among family caregivers of cancer patients, little is known regarding predictors of spiritual well-being in this population. The current study aimed to examine caregiving experiences as predictors of change in family caregivers’ spiritual well-being during the initial months following the patient’s cancer diagnosis. Methods Seventy family caregivers of newly diagnosed cancer patients (74% female, mean age = 59 years) participated in this longitudinal survey. Caregivers completed baseline questionnaires shortly before staying with the patient at an American Cancer Society (ACS) Hope Lodge. Baseline questionnaires assessed caregiving experiences (i.e., self-esteem related to caregiving, family support for providing care, impact of caregiving on finances, and impact of caregiving on one’s schedule). In addition, caregivers’ spiritual well-being (i.e., meaning in life, peace, and faith) was assessed at baseline and 4-month follow-up. Results In univariate analyses, all caregiving experiences studied were associated with one or more aspects of spiritual well-being at 4-month follow-up. However, in the multivariate analysis, the only caregiving experience associated with aspects of spiritual well-being at 4-month follow-up was caregivers’ perceptions of family support. Specifically, lack of family support was associated with lower levels of meaning and peace. Conclusions Findings point to the importance of family support in facilitating the search for meaning and peace shortly after a loved one’s cancer diagnosis and suggest that interventions targeting caregivers’ support system may enhance their spiritual well-being.

Spiritual and religious coping and depression among family caregivers of pediatric cancer patients in Latin America

“…Spiritual and religious beliefs appear in this context influencing how parents and families view their child's illness and handle this situation . Previous studies in the oncology field have shown that lower levels of SWB were associated with worse mental health and with lower levels of family support among cancer caregivers …”

“…Since FCs of pediatric cancer patients are subjected to a stressful and vulnerable situation due to the uncertainty and the fear of loosing their children, they are at high risk of developing psychological problems as compared with other groups . In this scenario, religious struggles may appear as a reaction to this situation and might seriously compromise mental health and well‐being.…”

“…In fact, caregivers of pediatric cancer patients are at high risk for developing different types of somatic complaints and higher levels of inflammatory markers (eg, cortisol and C‐reactive protein) . It is estimated that 20% to 66% of FCs present with significant depressive symptoms, and 20% to 30% of caregivers are at high risk for psychiatric morbidity . These problems might be further exacerbated in Latin American societies such as Brazil, where family members provide the first line of support in patient care.…”

“…1 Studies have shown that these family caregivers (FCs) are subjected to physical and psychological burden during and after their children's medical care. [2][3][4][5] In fact, caregivers of pediatric cancer patients are at high risk for developing different types of somatic complaints 2,4,6 and higher levels of inflammatory markers (eg, cortisol and C-reactive protein). 7 It is estimated that 20% to 66% of FCs present with significant depressive symptoms, 6,8 and 20% to 30% of caregivers are at high risk for psychiatric morbidity.…”

“…10 To deal with the challenges imposed by their children's cancer, FCs use different coping strategies, such as family, social, spiritual, and religious support. 6,11 The importance of spirituality as a central component of psychological well-being is increasingly recognized by health professionals in all areas, 12,13 and a number of studies have demonstrated that religion and spirituality (R/S) are central to many cancer patients and survivors. 11,12,[14][15][16][17] Despite the growing attention of spiritual and religious beliefs in oncology, most studies in this field have investigated the concept of cancer caregivers' spiritual well-being (SWB) 3,17 in detriment of the spiritual and religious coping.…”