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

Abstract

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.

Coping Strategies of African American Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

“…The coping strategies most commonly used were coping through the support from God, the emotional support from family and friends, and helping others by encouraging their participation in cancer screening and/or treatment. Seeking support from God as a way of coping has been frequently studied among African American cancer survivors but has mostly focused on breast and prostate cancer survivors (Hamilton et al 2007;Schulz et al, 2008). This frequent use of God as a source of support is likely attributed to long-held beliefs within African American culture that God is an all-powerful figure and able to help in situations even when family and friends cannot (Hamilton et al, 2007;Holt et al, 2009;Schulz et al, 2008).…”

“…Seeking support from God as a way of coping has been frequently studied among African American cancer survivors but has mostly focused on breast and prostate cancer survivors (Hamilton et al 2007;Schulz et al, 2008). This frequent use of God as a source of support is likely attributed to long-held beliefs within African American culture that God is an all-powerful figure and able to help in situations even when family and friends cannot (Hamilton et al, 2007;Holt et al, 2009;Schulz et al, 2008). Among HNC survivors who are experiencing physical and social impairments or feelings of shame associated with a cancer linked to substance abuse, God may serve as a safe and nonjudgmental caregiver (Babin, Sigston, Hitier, Marie, & Choussy, 2008).…”

Religious involvement and physical and emotional functioning among African Americans: The mediating role of religious support

“…Based on a systematic review of the literature and a previous programme of qualitative research Holt, Lewellyn, & Rathweg, 2005;Holt & McClure, 2006;Holt, Schulz, & Wynn, 2009;Schulz et al, 2008), the present study utilizes a Religion-Health Mediational Model. This model includes constructs recognised as being potential mediators of the religion-health connection ( Figure 1).…”

“We both just trusted and leaned on the Lord”: a qualitative study of religiousness and spirituality among African American breast cancer survivors and their caregivers

“…Specifically, participants described religiousness and spirituality playing three major roles: 1) providing global guidance, 2) guiding illness management efforts and 3) facilitating recovery. They described an all-encompassing spiritual connectedness (e.g., [40,38,41]) that provided guidance and support as they coped with BC and caregiving. Survivors’ and caregivers’ strong beliefs in God’s healing (e.g., [42,43,24,32]) were evident and played a major role in how they faced BC and caregiving tasks because participants believed that God was in control.…”