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Garcia ACM, Maia LO, Reed PG. Exploring Psychedelics for Alleviating Existential and Spiritual Suffering in People With Serious Illnesses: Links to the Theory of Self-Transcendence. J Holist Nurs 2024:8980101241257836. [PMID: 38809663 DOI: 10.1177/08980101241257836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The fields of palliative and holistic Nursing are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for the person, emphasizing special attention to the existential and spiritual aspects of care. Psychedelic-assisted therapy has emerged as a promising approach for symptom management in individuals with serious illnesses, particularly those of existential and spiritual origin. People who undergo challenging experiences, as is the case with serious illnesses, often undergo an identity crisis and question the purpose of their lives. Psychedelic therapy, when conducted properly by trained professionals, can facilitate self-exploration and self-transcendence, opening doors to states of expanded consciousness and fostering a profound connection with oneself. This experience can help patients develop a greater sense of self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their existential and spiritual issues, enabling them to find meaning and inner peace. The Theory of Self-Transcendence theory provides a Nursing framework for understanding how psychedelic-assisted therapy can facilitate, through self-transcendence, the journey of spiritual and existential healing, offering the possibility of achieving wellbecoming from a state of vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Federal University of Alfenas University of Campinas Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte
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Fitchett G, Yao Y, Emanuel LL, Guay MOD, Handzo G, Hauser J, Kittelson S, O'Mahony S, Quest T, Rabow M, Schoppee TM, Solomon S, Wilkie DJ, Chochinov HM. Examining Moderation of Dignity Therapy Effects by Symptom Burden or Religious/Spiritual Struggles. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:e333-e340. [PMID: 38215893 PMCID: PMC10939845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Dignity therapy (DT) is a well-researched psychotherapeutic intervention but it remains unclear whether symptom burden or religious/spiritual (R/S) struggles moderate DT outcomes. OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of symptom burden and R/S struggles on DT outcomes. METHODS This analysis was the secondary aim of a randomized controlled trial that employed a stepped-wedge design and included 579 participants with cancer, recruited from six sites across the United States. Participants were ages 55 years and older, 59% female, 22% race other than White, and receiving outpatient specialty palliative care. Outcome measures included the seven-item dignity impact scale (DIS), and QUAL-E subscales (preparation for death; life completion); distress measures were the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-r) (symptom burden), and the Religious Spiritual Struggle Scale (RSS-14; R/S). RESULTS DT effects on DIS were significant for patients with both low (P = 0.03) and moderate/high symptom burden (P = 0.001). They were significant for patients with low (P = 0.004) but not high R/S struggle (P = 0.10). Moderation effects of symptom burden (P = 0.054) and R/S struggle (P = 0.52) on DIS were not significant. DT effects on preparation and completion were not significant, neither were the moderation effects of the two distress measures. CONCLUSION Neither baseline symptom burden nor R/S struggle significantly moderated the effect of DT on DIS in this sample. Further study is warranted including exploration of other moderation models and development of measures sensitive to effects of DT and other end-of-life psychotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Fitchett
- Department of Religion, Health and Human Values (G.F.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Yingwei Yao
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing (Y.Y., T.M.S., D.J.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Linda L Emanuel
- Department of Medicine (L.L.E., J.H.), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Mongan Institute (L.L.E.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marvin O Delgado Guay
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine (M.O.D.G.), MD Anderson Cancer Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - George Handzo
- HealthCare Chaplaincy Network (G.H.), New York, New York, USA
| | - Joshua Hauser
- Department of Medicine (L.L.E., J.H.), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (J.H.), Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sheri Kittelson
- Department of Medicine (S.K.), University of Florida; Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sean O'Mahony
- Department of Medicine (S.M.), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tammie Quest
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine (T.Q.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael Rabow
- Department of Medicine (M.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tasha M Schoppee
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing (Y.Y., T.M.S., D.J.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Community Hospice and Palliative Care (T.M.S.), Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Sheldon Solomon
- Department of Psychology (S.S.), Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing (Y.Y., T.M.S., D.J.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Harvey Max Chochinov
- Department of Psychiatry and Cancer Care Manitoba Research Institute (H.M.C.), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Košanski T, Neuberg M. Proficiency and Practices of Nursing Professionals in Meeting Patients' Spiritual Needs within Palliative Care Services: A Nationwide, Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:725. [PMID: 38610147 PMCID: PMC11011532 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Spirituality and spiritual needs are integral parts of the human experience, but they are often particularly important for palliative care patients. Spirituality has numerous positive effects, especially for those dealing with serious illness. Nevertheless, the spiritual dimension is sometimes overlooked in patient care. This study aims to determine the frequency of addressing the spiritual needs of palliative care patients in Croatia and to investigate the self-perceived confidence of caregivers in this task. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 194 nurses in specialised palliative care services across Croatia. A specially developed and validated questionnaire was used for this study. The most common intervention undertaken by respondents was "promoting hope and optimism in patients" (88.4%), while the least common intervention was "reading books and other publications to patients" (13.9%). No statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of spiritual care in relation to the respondent's level of education, professional experience and nursing environment. Approximately two-thirds of the surveyed nurses stated that they "often" or "always" provided some kind of spiritual care to palliative care patients. However, study participants who indicated that they had received sufficient formal instruction in addressing spiritual needs and spiritual care interventions demonstrated a statistically significant tendency to engage in these practices, as well as greater confidence in their knowledge and skills in this area compared to those who lacked such training. The study suggests that there is a need to identify existing barriers to the provision of spiritual care and to develop strategies to overcome them. By placing emphasis on the spiritual needs and preferences of patients, nursing professionals and other healthcare providers have the opportunity to elevate the standard of holistic care and foster a sense of comfort and dignity among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Košanski
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia;
- Department of Nursing, University North, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
| | - Marijana Neuberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia;
- Department of Nursing, University North, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
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Park SY, Do B, Yourell J, Hermer J, Huberty J. Digital Methods for the Spiritual and Mental Health of Generation Z: Scoping Review. Interact J Med Res 2024; 13:e48929. [PMID: 38261532 PMCID: PMC10879969 DOI: 10.2196/48929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generation Z (Gen Z) includes individuals born between 1995 and 2012. These individuals experience high rates of anxiety and depression. Most Gen Z individuals identify with being spiritual, and aspects from religion and spirituality can be integrated into mental health treatment and care as both are related to lower levels of depression. However, research on the spiritual and mental health of Gen Z is sparse. To date, there are no systematic or scoping reviews on digital methods to address the spiritual and mental health of Gen Z. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to describe the current state of digital methods to address spiritual and mental health among Gen Z, identify the knowledge gaps, and make suggestions for how to leverage digital spiritual and mental health interventions for Gen Z. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Education Full Text, Google Scholar, SocIndex, and Sociological Abstracts. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) study population born between 1995 and 2012 (ie, Gen Z); (2) reporting on spiritual health or well-being, spirituality or religion, and mental health or well-being; (3) reporting on using digital methods; (4) publication in 1996 or beyond; (5) human subject research; (6) full text availability in English; (7) primary research study design; and (8) peer-reviewed article. Two authors screened articles and subsequently extracted data from the included articles to describe the available evidence. RESULTS A total of 413 articles were screened at the title and abstract levels, of which 27 were further assessed with full text for eligibility. Five studies met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted to summarize study characteristics and findings. The studies were performed across 4 different countries. There were 2 mixed-methods studies (South Africa and Canada), 2 cross-sectional studies (China and United States), and 1 randomized controlled trial (United States). Of these studies, only 2 discussed digital interventions (a text messaging-based intervention to improve spiritual and mental health, and a feasibility study for a mental health app). Other studies had a digital component with minor or unclear spiritual and mental health measures. Overall, there was a lack of consistency in how spiritual and mental health were measured. CONCLUSIONS Few studies have focused on assessing the spiritual and mental health of Gen Z in the digital context, and no research to date has examined a digital spiritual and mental health application among Gen Z. Research is needed to inform the development and evaluation of approaches to address the spiritual and mental health of Gen Z via digital means (eg, mobile apps).
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Y Park
- Skylight, Radiant Foundation, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Zeng D, Mizuno M. The concept of spirituality in the context of Chinese patients with cancer: A scoping review. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:3258-3273. [PMID: 37350035 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM To elucidate how the concept of spirituality has been addressed in studies with Chinese people with cancer. DESIGN A scoping review. METHODS Patterns in conceptual definitions of spirituality and indicators for measuring spirituality were analysed. DATA SOURCES (INCLUDE SEARCH DATES) Literature published from inception to August 2022 was searched in five electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO and a Chinese database). RESULTS Using data from 10 qualitative studies, a new taxonomy of concepts of spirituality among Chinese people with cancer was derived, consisting of four categories: Creation of meaning, Connection, Transcendence and Existence. A total of 12 instruments developed outside of Chinese contexts and used to measure dimensions of spirituality across 27 quantitative studies were compared to the taxonomy developed in this review, and patterns were identified according to the dimensions of spirituality. Several instruments required modifications or additional explanations in questions regarding God/Higher Power and religion. CONCLUSION The four categories of spirituality classified in the current review are considered universal across all cultural contexts. Spirituality is multidimensional and functional concept, and the components of the instruments differed depending on which dimension of spirituality was being measured. IMPACT The findings of this study suggest that for measuring spirituality in research and clinical settings with Chinese people with cancer, it is important to use culturally appropriate scales that are consistent with the dimensions of spirituality being measured. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Even instruments developed outside of the Chinese context could be used for Chinese people with cancer if appropriately selected for their intended use. REPORTING METHOD This paper adheres to the EQUATOR guidelines and has no direct patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Zeng
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Michiyo Mizuno
- Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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Bıngol B, Yılmaz M, Weathers E. Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Spirituality Instrument-27 (SpI-27©). J Holist Nurs 2023:8980101231193943. [PMID: 37605885 DOI: 10.1177/08980101231193943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: This methodological study aimed to adapt the Spirituality Instrument-27 (SpI-27©) to the Turkish language and culture. Design: The psychometric study was carried out with 267 individuals who were hospitalized in the cardiology clinic and who were diagnosed with a chronic disease. Data collection tools were the demographic questionnaire and the SpI-27©. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for data analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index was 0.848 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was statistically significant (p = 0.000). The root mean square error of approximation was 0.05, the standardized root mean squared residual was 0.04, the adjusted goodness-of-fit index was 0.87, the goodness-of-fit index was 0.92, the nonformed fit index was 0.91, and the comparative fit index was 0.90. Connectedness with others accounted for 38.24 of the total variance, self-transcendence accounted for 11.71, self-cognizance accounted for 10.56, and conservationism and belief accounted for 9.82 of the total variance (total variance was 70.34%). The highest item factor loading of the scale was 0.812 and the lowest one was 0.398. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.927. Conclusion: This measurement tool will enable researchers to plan and implement nursing interventions accurately and effectively by assessing the spiritual needs of individuals with nonmalignant chronic diseases. The use of this tool in different languages can help diagnose the spiritual needs of nurses working with multicultural and multilingual patients.
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Emanuel LL, Solomon S, Chochinov HM, Delgado Guay MO, Handzo G, Hauser J, Kittelson S, O'Mahony S, Quest TE, Rabow MW, Schoppee TM, Wilkie DJ, Yao Y, Fitchett G. Death Anxiety and Correlates in Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:235-243. [PMID: 36067074 PMCID: PMC9894592 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Death anxiety is powerful, potentially contributes to suffering, and yet has to date not been extensively studied in the context of palliative care. Availability of a validated Death Anxiety and Distress Scale (DADDS) opens the opportunity to better assess and redress death anxiety in serious illness. Objective: We explored death anxiety/distress for associations with physical and psychosocial factors. Design: Ancillary to a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of Dignity Therapy (DT), we enrolled a convenience sample of 167 older adults in the United States with cancer and receiving outpatient palliative care (mean age 65.9 [7.3] years, 62% female, 84% White, 62% stage 4 cancer). They completed the DADDS and several measures for the stepped-wedged RCT, including demographic factors, religious struggle, dignity-related distress, existential quality of life (QoL), and terminal illness awareness (TIA). Results: DADDS scores were generally unrelated to demographic factors (including religious affiliation, intrinsic religiousness, and frequency of prayer). DADDS scores were positively correlated with religious struggle (p < 0.001) and dignity-related distress (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with existential QoL (p < 0.001). TIA was significantly nonlinearly associated with both the total DADDS (p = 0.007) and its Finitude subscale (p ≤ 0.001) scores. There was a statistically significant decrease in Finitude subscale scores for a subset of participants who completed a post-DT DADDS (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Findings, if replicable, suggest that further research on death anxiety and prognostic awareness in the context of palliative medicine is in order. Findings also raise questions about the optimal nature and timing of spiritual and psychosocial interventions, something that might entail evaluation or screening for death anxiety and prognostic awareness for maximizing the effectiveness of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda L. Emanuel
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sheldon Solomon
- Department of Psychology, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
| | - Harvey Max Chochinov
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marvin Omar Delgado Guay
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - George Handzo
- Health Services Research and Quality, HealthCare Chaplaincy Network, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joshua Hauser
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sheri Kittelson
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine and University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sean O'Mahony
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Health, and Human Values, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tammie E. Quest
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael W. Rabow
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tasha M. Schoppee
- Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Diana J. Wilkie
- Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yingwei Yao
- Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - George Fitchett
- Department of Religion, Health, and Human Values, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Leidl BF, Fox-Davis D, Walker FO, Gabbard J, Marterre B. Layers of Loss: A Scoping Review and Taxonomy of HD Caregivers' Spiritual Suffering, Grief/Loss and Coping Strategies. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:e29-e50. [PMID: 36198334 PMCID: PMC9790041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Huntington's disease (HD), an incurable, multi-generational, autosomal dominant disorder, creating unique challenges and a myriad of spiritually-related stressors in those affected and their familial caregivers. Spiritual suffering, experiences of grief/loss, and coping strategies have not been systematically studied in HD caregivers. OBJECTIVES To comprehensively define spiritual suffering, grief/loss, and coping strategies used by HD caregivers. METHODS A PRISMA-ScR scoping literature review was conducted. Data from included research articles were organized thematically using induction and open coding. A grounded, deductive approach was used to delineate a demarcated taxonomy of themes, which encompasses all three over-arching domains. Four reviewers, employing a modified Delphi approach, ascertained which themes were demonstrated by research participants in each study. RESULTS 36 of 583 articles met the review criteria; none were published in the palliative care literature. Investigations primarily focused on intrapersonal (self-image) distress and existential angst; only rarely looking deeper into divine/transpersonal suffering, disrupted religious relationships, or meaning distress. HD caregivers experience profound grief/loss, expressed as disenfranchised grief that is associated with the ambiguous loss of their loved one, loss of family structure, social connectedness, and personal losses. Half of the studies reported maladaptive HD caregiver coping strategies-characterized by dysfunctional escape schemes; in contrast, transcendent/creative strategies were often unexplored. CONCLUSION HD caregivers experience prolonged grief and other forms of spiritual suffering as they progressively lose their loved ones and disruption to their own lives. With an improved assessment tool, teams with spiritual and palliative care experts will better be able to support HD family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Faith Leidl
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, (B.F.L., B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | | | - Francis O Walker
- Department of Neurology, Emeritus, Winston-Salem, (F.O.W.) North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer Gabbard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatrics (Palliative Care), (J.G., B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Buddy Marterre
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, (B.F.L., B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatrics (Palliative Care), (J.G., B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of General Surgery, (B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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What Aspects of Religion and Spirituality Affect the Physical Health of Cancer Patients? A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081447. [PMID: 36011104 PMCID: PMC9408220 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the literature on the relationship between religion and spirituality (R/S) and the health of cancer patients has been flourishing. Although most studies focus on mental health, many study the physical health of these individuals. In order to summarize the findings of these studies, we reviewed the most recent research on this subject using the PubMed and PsycInfo databases. The objective of this systematic review was to recognize the primary R/S variables studied in research on physical health in cancer contexts. We found that spiritual well-being was the most-researched variable in studies of these characteristics, followed by R/S struggles and other variables such as religious coping; religious commitment or practice; or self-rated R/S. In general, R/S seems to have a positive association with the physical health of cancer patients, although the results are quite heterogeneous, and occasionally there are no relationships or the association is negative. Our results may assist in improving interventions that include spirituality in clinical settings as well as the development of holistic approaches, which may have a positive impact on the quality of life and well-being of cancer patients.
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Laranjeira C, Baptista Peixoto Befecadu F, Da Rocha Rodrigues MG, Larkin P, Pautex S, Dixe MA, Querido A. Exercising Hope in Palliative Care Is Celebrating Spirituality: Lessons and Challenges in Times of Pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:933767. [PMID: 35846675 PMCID: PMC9278349 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.933767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Laranjeira
- School of Health Sciences of Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.,Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.,Research in Education and Community Intervention (RECI I&D), Piaget Institute, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Filipa Baptista Peixoto Befecadu
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service and Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria Goreti Da Rocha Rodrigues
- HESAV School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western, Lausanne, Switzerland.,High School of Health (HEdS), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philip Larkin
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service and Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Pautex
- Department of Readaptation and Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine Division, University Hospital Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Anjos Dixe
- School of Health Sciences of Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.,Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Ana Querido
- School of Health Sciences of Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.,Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.,Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), NursID, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Religiosity, Emotions and Health: The Role of Trust/Mistrust in God in People Affected by Cancer. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061138. [PMID: 35742189 PMCID: PMC9222636 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trust in God implies the conviction that God looks after a person’s own interests. The first evidence of a relationship between this construct and people’s psychological and emotional health dates back several centuries. However, the literature on this is limited, especially for people with physical health conditions, such as cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to test the relationships between trust/mistrust in God, social support and emotions in people affected by cancer. The sample consisted of 177 women and men in Spain diagnosed with cancer. The instruments used were the Trust/Mistrust in God Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were performed to compare several explanatory models for the dependent variables: positive and negative emotions. The results show significant relationships between all variables. It was observed that, when trust/mistrust in God is included in the model, only mistrust in God predicts both types of emotions. In addition, both social support and some sociodemographic variables help to predict the dependent variables. This study shows that valuing the religiosity and spirituality of oncology patients in healthcare settings can have a significant positive impact on the health of these individuals. Moreover, it represents an important approach to the study of trust/mistrust in God in the context of a traditionally Catholic country.
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Brazilian Adaptation and Validation of the Religious and Spiritual Struggles (RSS) Scale—Extended and Short Version. RELIGIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rel13040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies highlight that although the spiritual/religious dimension is commonly used as a resource for coping with stress and suffering, sometimes this dimension can also be a locus of struggles. The Religious and Spiritual Struggles (RSS) Scale, composed of 26 items (extended version), is an instrument that assesses the presence of six types of spiritual struggles, categorized into three major categories: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Supernatural. More recently, studies have presented a leaner version, with 14 items (short version), also suitable for evaluating religious/spiritual struggles. This study aimed to validate the RSS Scale, in its two versions, in the Brazilian cultural context and was able to attest to its quality and reliability, albeit with small variations. The Brazilian extended version presented six components (similar to the original version) explaining 68.48% of variance and 0.907 of KMO. Two items were withdrawn due to low loadings, but the psychometric qualities of both versions in two different samples (one wide sample and one with LGBTQIA+ individuals) were maintained. The reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) for each one of the six components ranged from 0.78 to 0.88 (24 items) and from 0.73 to 0.83 (14 items). The TLI and CFI were, respectively, 0.934 and 0.945 (24 items) and 0.982 and 0.988 for the short version (14 items). Furthermore, convergent validity tests indicated correlations with the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The RSS Scale (the Brazilian versions with 24 and 14 items), demonstrated reliability in the studied sample and can be applied in clinical and research contexts.
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Desmet L, Dezutter J, Vandenhoeck A, Dillen A. Religious Coping Styles and Depressive Symptoms in Geriatric Patients: Understanding the Relationship through Experiences of Integrity and Despair. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073835. [PMID: 35409519 PMCID: PMC8997691 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Older persons are often confronted with challenging events in their lives. Religion can offer them a way to deal with these challenges. The study of religious coping styles helps us to understand how people find support in their religion or wrestle with aspects of their religion when they are confronted with difficulties. Especially when older adults face illness and hospitalization, religious coping styles might be triggered. Despite the fact that the public role of religion, especially Christianity, is diminishing in West European societies, a large group of Belgian geriatric patients call themselves religious. Previous studies have shown that there is a link between positive/negative religious coping styles and the depressive symptoms that often occur in older adults. More recently, some scholars have emphasized that this relationship is more complex. Therefore, this paper investigates the role of one possible underlying mechanism between positive/negative religious coping styles and depressive symptoms in geriatric patients, namely the developmental process of integrity and despair as two factors within this mechanism. One hundred thirty-nine geriatric inpatients from three hospitals in Belgium who reported to feel religiously affiliated were involved in this study. Our results indicate that experiences of integrity and despair function as an explanatory pathway in the relationship between negative religious coping styles and depressive symptoms. Further, a direct link was found between both when accounting for experiences of integrity and despair. For positive religious coping styles, no direct or indirect relationship with depressive symptoms was found. In healthcare, geriatric caregivers need to be aware of the interaction between positive and negative religious coping styles, the developmental process of integrity and despair, and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsy Desmet
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.V.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jessie Dezutter
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Anne Vandenhoeck
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.V.); (A.D.)
| | - Annemie Dillen
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.V.); (A.D.)
- Faculty of Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
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Rosenberg LB, Brenner KO, Shalev D, Jackson VA, Seaton M, Weisblatt S, Jacobsen JC. To Accompany, Always: Psychological Elements of Palliative Care for the Dying Patient. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:537-541. [PMID: 35263176 PMCID: PMC10162575 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative care clinicians provide psychological support throughout their patients' journeys with illness. Throughout our series exploring the psychological elements of palliative care (PEPC), we suggested that the quality of care is enhanced when clinicians have a deeper understanding of patients' psychological experience of serious illness. Palliative care clinicians are uniquely poised to offer patients a grounded, boundaried, and uplifting relationship to chart their own course through a life-altering or terminal illness. This final installment of our series on PEPC has two aims. First, to integrate PEPC into a comfort-focused or hospice setting and, second, to demonstrate how the core psychological concepts previously explored in the series manifest during the dying process. These aspects include frame/formulation, attachment, attunement, transference/countertransference, the holding environment, and clinician wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah B Rosenberg
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keri O Brenner
- Department of Medicine, Section of Palliative Care, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Daniel Shalev
- Department of Psychiatry and Medicine, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vicki A Jackson
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Juliet C Jacobsen
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Antunes ML, Reis-Pina P. The Physician and End-of-Life Spiritual Care: The PALliatiVE Approach. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2022; 39:1215-1226. [PMID: 35044883 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211068819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiritual care is universally acknowledged as a cornerstone of palliative care, yet most healthcare professionals find it difficult to address. The present work aims to provide a simple educational tool that may help physicians address spirituality in their clinical practice. We found articles written in both Portuguese and English through PubMed, using the combination of MeSH terms: "Spirituality" and "Palliative Care." The research was complemented by relevant monographs previously known to the authors, consultation of selected references of the main bibliography, and interviews to an experienced spiritual care provider. In order to help physicians to incorporate spiritual care in their clinical practice, a flexible yet standardized approach is long overdue. This is the aim of the PALliatiVE approach, which compiles the literature in a set of 5 attitudes that may aid the clinician in the delivery of spiritual care: Prepare (P), Ask (A), Listen (L), Validate (V), and consult an Expert (E). This approach is based on a synthesis of a broad literature review, which motivated the five-layered approach. There is a significant literature coverage supporting each attitude of this five-layered approach, including at least one randomized control trial or systematic review per attitude. Though still requiring external validation, the PALliatiVE approach can be a guide to the physician on how to provide spiritual care, a practice rooted in compassion and in simply being-with the one who suffers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulo Reis-Pina
- Palliative Care Unit, Casa de Saúde da Idanha, Sintra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Ringgold:37809University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
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SCHULZ E, BAY RC, CLARK EM. Predictors of African American Belief in Illness as Punishment for Sin. SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING 2021. [DOI: 10.37898/spc.2021.6.3.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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