Comparison of Spiritual Experiences and Hope between Breast Cancer Survivors and Healthy Counterparts

Abstract

Background and objectives: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in women aged 35-54 years. Belief in God and spiritual experiences can help the patients endure physical pain and enhance their physical and mental well-being. The purpose of this study was to compare spiritual experiences and hope between survivors of breast cancer and healthy counterparts. Methods: This descriptive case-control study was performed in 2018, on 85 breast cancer survivors and 85 healthy women from the city of Yazd (Iran) who were selected via availability sampling. The subjects completed the hope scale (developed by Snyder) and the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (developed by Underwood and Teresi). Data were analyzed using independent t-test at significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean score of spiritual experiences was significantly higher in breast cancer survivors (81.2±10.47) than in healthy counterparts (71.03±13.18) (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the mean score of hope between breast cancer survivors (30.47±5.29) and women without breast cancer (31.3±5.67) (P=0.28). Conclusion: Given our results, it is suggested to design and offer workshops and trainings on hope and hope-based therapies for highlighting the role of hope in improving disease status and patients' mental well-being.

Keywords

• hope
• spiritual experiences
• breast cancer
• women