title: Role of religion in cancer coping among African Americans: a qualitative examination.
abstract: The present study used qualitative methods to examine if and how African Americans with cancer use religiosity in coping. Patients (N = 23) were recruited from physician offices and completed 1-1(1/2) hour interviews. Themes that emerged included but were not limited to control over one's illness, emotional response, importance of social support, role of God as a healer, relying on God, importance of faith for recovery, prayer and scripture study, and making sense of the illness. Participants had a great deal to say about the role of religion in coping. These themes may have utility for development of support interventions if they can be operationalized and intervened upon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. cholt14@umd.edu
authors.forename: Cheryl L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Holt
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Caplan
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Blake
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Southward
authors.forename: Ayanna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Buckner
authors.forename: Hope
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lawrence