The stage-specific role of spirituality among African American Christian women throughout the breast cancer experience.
This study presents the results of semistructured interviews conducted with 18 African American Christian women regarding the role of spirituality throughout their breast cancer experiences. The spiritual themes relevant for phases of the breast cancer experience are identified. Analysis resulted in the identification of 11 codes and 5 subcodes that corresponded to the diagnosis, treatment, and posttreatment phases of the breast cancer experience. Most of the survivors indicated that their spirituality and faith assisted them throughout the breast cancer experience. Discussion focuses on the spiritual resources used by the participants at the different stages in the breast cancer experience. Attention is given to implications for how professionals can use these resources to assist African American women coping with breast cancer.
Simon
Cassandra E
CE
University of Alabama, School of Social Work, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA. csimon@bama.ua.edu
Crowther
Martha
M
Higgerson
Hyoun-Kyoung
HK
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D002835:Christianity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D029181:Spirituality; D001741:Black or African American