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01-09-2014 | Original Article

Spiritual well-being and depressive symptoms among cancer survivors

Authors: Patricia Gonzalez, Sheila F. Castañeda, Jennifer Dale, Elizabeth A. Medeiros, Christina Buelna, Alicia Nuñez, Rebeca Espinoza, Gregory A. Talavera

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 9/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Depression is common among patients diagnosed with cancer and may be inversely associated with spiritual well-being. While numerous strategies are employed to manage and cope with illness, spiritual well-being has become increasingly important in cancer survivorship research. This study examined the association between spiritual well-being and depressive symptoms.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized self-report data from 102 diverse cancer survivors recruited from peer-based cancer support groups in San Diego County. Depression was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) and spiritual well-being was measured with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp) comprised of two subscales (Meaning/Peace and Faith).

Results

Hierarchal regression analysis indicated that Meaning/Peace significantly predicted depressive symptoms after adjusting for socio-demographics, cancer stage, time since diagnosis, and Faith (p < .001).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that Spiritual Well-Being is a valuable coping mechanism and that Meaning/Peace has a unique advantage over Faith in protecting cancer survivors from the effects of depression symptoms; therefore, turning to Faith as source of strength may improve psychological well-being during survivorship.

Implications

Future programs and healthcare providers should be cognizant of the influential role of spiritual well-being in depression symptoms in an effort to improve psychological well-being among cancer survivors.

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Title: Spiritual well-being and depressive symptoms among cancer survivors
Authors: Patricia Gonzalez
Sheila F. Castañeda
Jennifer Dale
Elizabeth A. Medeiros
Christina Buelna
Alicia Nuñez
Rebeca Espinoza
Gregory A. Talavera
Publication date: 01-09-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 9/2014
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2207-2

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Implications

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