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Published on: April 5, 2019
Creating a language for 'spiritual pain' through research: a beginning
1Leukaemia Foundation's Psycho-social Research Program, Department of Religion, School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia. pam.mcgrath@bigpond.com
Summary
This study explores spiritual pain in cancer survivors, highlighting the need for a new language to address this neglected aspect of healthcare. Findings emphasize the importance of meaning-making and connection for coping with aggressive treatments.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Research
- Psychology
- Oncology
Background:
- Spirituality is an under-researched dimension of healthcare.
- Cancer survivors face physical, identity, relational, and existential challenges.
- These challenges can disrupt a sense of meaning and connection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To contribute to the appreciation of research on spirituality in healthcare.
- To explore the concept and language of 'spiritual pain' in cancer survivors.
- To lay the groundwork for developing a language of spiritual care.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research methodology.
- Open-ended interviews with 12 haematological malignancy survivors.
- Verbatim transcription and thematic analysis using NUD*IST software.
Main Results:
- Preliminary findings indicate a need for new language to articulate spirituality.
- Spiritual pain arises from a painful disconnection from meaning-making and life connection.
- This disconnection challenges an individual's ability to find meaning in existence.
Conclusions:
- A strong sense of meaning-making and connection is crucial for managing aggressive cancer treatments.
- Spiritual pain is a subjective experience stemming from loss and disconnection.
- Further research is needed to develop a comprehensive language for spiritual care.
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