Religiosity and hope: a path for women coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Both religiosity and hope are known for their positive role in coping with cancer.


OBJECTIVE
This study examines the mediating role of hope between religiosity and coping for women diagnosed with breast cancer.


METHODS
Israeli Jewish women with breast cancer (N=233) completed the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, The Systems of Belief Inventory, and The Hope Scale.


RESULTS
By use of hierarchical regression, hope was found to be a mediator between religiosity and three coping styles.


CONCLUSIONS
Special attention should be given to the role of hope for religious patients because it increases the positive effects of religion in coping with cancer.
Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel. hasoni@mail.biu.ac.il
Ilanit
I
Hasson-Ohayon
Michal
M
Braun
Daliah
D
Galinsky
Lea
L
Baider
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012067:Religion; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*