Abstract
This chapter explores the role of spirituality in breast cancer survivors using a narrative research approach. In order to examine the specific aspects of spirituality activated in the experience of illness, and how such experience is converted into narrative storytelling, we used interviews to develop in-depth descriptions and to obtain rich, comprehensive, detailed accounts of women's experiences. Our analysis focused on how spiritual issues concern all aspects of breast cancer experience. Analysis of spiritual views as expressed through women's reflections, narratives, and representations of cultural values and religious beliefs allowed an understanding of women's relationships with themselves, with the others and with a transcendent dimension. Narratives suggest there are several dimensions of spirituality experienced among breast cancer survivors. Spirituality can be expressed religiously, but women with breast cancer assign meaning by redefining their experiences within a broader perspective. The women's experiences of their spirituality are unique to each of them, as each one lives with breast cancer in her individual way. The findings of this study enhance the knowledge of the psychosocial needs of breast cancer women and provide a basis for developing support interventions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Handbook on Spirituality: Belief Systems, Societal Impact and Roles in Coping |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
| Pages | 149-169 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781619424753 |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2012 |
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Keywords
- Breast cancer
- Identity
- Interview
- Narrative
- Religiosity
- Spirituality
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Arts and Humanities(all)
Cite this
Spiritual and psychological issues in cancer patients : A qualitative study. / Mazzotti, Eva; Serranò, Francesco; Marchetti, Paolo.
Handbook on Spirituality: Belief Systems, Societal Impact and Roles in Coping. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2012. p. 149-169.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
}
TY - CHAP
T1 - Spiritual and psychological issues in cancer patients
T2 - A qualitative study
AU - Mazzotti, Eva
AU - Serranò, Francesco
AU - Marchetti, Paolo
PY - 2012/2
Y1 - 2012/2
N2 - This chapter explores the role of spirituality in breast cancer survivors using a narrative research approach. In order to examine the specific aspects of spirituality activated in the experience of illness, and how such experience is converted into narrative storytelling, we used interviews to develop in-depth descriptions and to obtain rich, comprehensive, detailed accounts of women's experiences. Our analysis focused on how spiritual issues concern all aspects of breast cancer experience. Analysis of spiritual views as expressed through women's reflections, narratives, and representations of cultural values and religious beliefs allowed an understanding of women's relationships with themselves, with the others and with a transcendent dimension. Narratives suggest there are several dimensions of spirituality experienced among breast cancer survivors. Spirituality can be expressed religiously, but women with breast cancer assign meaning by redefining their experiences within a broader perspective. The women's experiences of their spirituality are unique to each of them, as each one lives with breast cancer in her individual way. The findings of this study enhance the knowledge of the psychosocial needs of breast cancer women and provide a basis for developing support interventions.
AB - This chapter explores the role of spirituality in breast cancer survivors using a narrative research approach. In order to examine the specific aspects of spirituality activated in the experience of illness, and how such experience is converted into narrative storytelling, we used interviews to develop in-depth descriptions and to obtain rich, comprehensive, detailed accounts of women's experiences. Our analysis focused on how spiritual issues concern all aspects of breast cancer experience. Analysis of spiritual views as expressed through women's reflections, narratives, and representations of cultural values and religious beliefs allowed an understanding of women's relationships with themselves, with the others and with a transcendent dimension. Narratives suggest there are several dimensions of spirituality experienced among breast cancer survivors. Spirituality can be expressed religiously, but women with breast cancer assign meaning by redefining their experiences within a broader perspective. The women's experiences of their spirituality are unique to each of them, as each one lives with breast cancer in her individual way. The findings of this study enhance the knowledge of the psychosocial needs of breast cancer women and provide a basis for developing support interventions.
KW - Breast cancer
KW - Identity
KW - Interview
KW - Narrative
KW - Religiosity
KW - Spirituality
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M3 - Chapter
AN - SCOPUS:84897155436
SN - 9781619424753
SP - 149
EP - 169
BT - Handbook on Spirituality: Belief Systems, Societal Impact and Roles in Coping
PB - Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
ER -