Spirituality among African American cancer survivors: having a personal relationship with God.
African American breast and prostate cancer survivors describe their personal relationship with God as very real, close, and intimate. During their cancer trajectory, God was there with them, healing, protecting, and in control of their lives. Participants believed that God provided types of support not available from family members or friends. In return, these participants dedicated their lives to God through service in their churches or through helping others. Findings can help healthcare professionals and others in clinical practice to understand the reliance that many African American cancer survivors have on their spirituality. These findings also suggest that many African Americans perceive their survival from cancer as a gift from God. Therefore, for them, finding a way to give back is an important component of their spirituality.
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. jbhamil@emory.edu
Jill B
JB
Hamilton
Barbara D
BD
Powe
Alton B
AB
Pollard
Karen J
KJ
Lee
Alexandria M
AM
Felton
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002835:Christianity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D015144:Southeastern United States; D029181:Spirituality; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*