Qualitative Perspectives on Spiritual Distress in Cancer Patients

Helga Martins¹ & Silvia Caldeira²

¹Helga Martins

Pos-doctoral Fellow at Integral Human Development Program, PhD, RN, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Doctoral School (CADOS). Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Lisbon, Portugal.

Instituto Politécnico de Beja, Escola Superior de Saúde. R. Dr. José Correia Maltez, 7800-111 Beja, Portugal.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5804-7934

E-mail: hemartins@ucp.pt

²Sílvia Caldeira

PhD, MSc, RN, Associate Professor, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Lisbon, Portugal.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9804-2297

E-mail: scaldeira@ucp.pt

Qualitative Perspectives on Spiritual Distress in Cancer Patients

This literature review synthesizes qualitative studies on spiritual distress in cancer patients, highlighting its profound impact on all dimensions of life. Among 4,075 citations, 23 studies were included, predominantly using phenomenology and interviews. Two major themes emerged: suffering and coping. Spiritual distress, marked by deep suffering, involves spiritual values and beliefs, necessitating coping strategies. The study underscores the importance of healthcare providers recognizing and addressing spiritual distress to offer holistic nursing care for cancer patients.

Martins H, Caldeira S. Spiritual Distress in Cancer Patients: A Synthesis of Qualitative Studies. Religions. 2018; 9(10):285. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9100285

Abstract

Cancer affects individuals in all human dimensions. Cancer patients are more susceptible to spiritual distress. Several studies have addressed spiritual distress using quantitative designs; however, a qualitative approach to the experience of spiritual distress could provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. This study aims to synthesis the experience of spiritual distress as lived by cancer patients in qualitative primary studies. This is a literature review based on electronic databases search. A total of 4075 citations was identified and 23 studies were included. The most frequent qualitative research method was phenomenology (n = 15), and interviews were the main data collection method (n = 20). Two major themes have been identified related to the experience of spiritual distress: suffering and coping. Spiritual distress is an intimate, deep and suffering experience in life, which requires coping strategies and involves spiritual values and beliefs. Healthcare providers should be aware of this experience and recognize spiritual distress in cancer patients, as it is critical in providing holistic nursing care.

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