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Exploring Spiritual Well‐Being Among Survivors of Colorectal and Lung Cancer

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: This descriptive, exploratory study is part of a larger observational study of the quality of cancer care delivered to population-based cohorts of newly-diagnosed patients with lung and colorectal cancer. The current study explores the role of spiritual well-being in adjustment to life after the cancer diagnosis, utilizing the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Well-being - Expanded (FACIT-Sp-Ex) Scale. Survey data collected from 304 newly-diagnosed cancer survivors were analyzed to explore important aspects of spirituality, such as sense of meaning in one's life, harmony, peacefulness, and a sense of strength and comfort from one's faith. Spiritual well-being scores, particularly meaning/peace, were statistically significant for African Americans, women and colorectal cancer survivors. These findings amplify a need for oncology social workers and other practitioners to assess spiritual well-being in cancer survivors in an effort to strengthen psychosocial treatment plans. Implications for social work practice and research are discussed.

Source: Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work Social Thought

DOI: 10.1080/15426430903479247

Authors: Kimberly S. Clay, Costellia Talley, Karen B. Young

Institutions: University of Georgia, Michigan State University, Clayton State University

Language: English

Topic: Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute