"Finding meaning in life after a cancer diagnosis": A mixed methods study with Latinos with advanced cancer

To determine associations between spiritual well-being (faith and meaning dimensions) with emotional suffering (anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and quality of life) in Latinos with advanced cancer and examine themes of existential coping.

In a mixed-methods study, participants were recruited from cancer clinics in New York and Puerto Rico. Measures included the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Well-Being Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. A subset of participants completed in-depth semi-structured interviews exploring the roles of existential and religious factors in adjustment to cancer. Correlations were conducted, and the interviews were analyzed with a thematic analysis approach.

A sample of 142 Latinos with advanced cancer participated (67.6% stage IV and 32.4% stage III). The spiritual well-being, faith and meaning factor were associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. Meaning was associated with lower hopelessness and showed stronger associations with emotional suffering than the faith dimension. Lower acculturation was associated with higher hopelessness but not with depression/anxiety. In semi-structured interviews (n = 24), recurrent themes were: (1) receiving existential support from counselors; (2) receiving spiritual support from family and/or friends; (3) focusing on being spiritual and finding purpose rather than on a specific religion or faith; (4) religious coping; and (5) spiritual coping, focused on self-growth, finding meaning, and helping others to cope. Patients identified sources of meaning, including helping others, having a fighting spirit, a spirit of learning, enjoying work, enjoying life, family and children, confidence in providers/treatment, God/faith, and spirituality.

Meaning had a more significant influence than faith on emotional suffering. Participants emphasized the importance of finding meaning and purpose, self-growth, and helping others as ways to cope with an advanced diagnosis. Interventions with a meaning-making approach, emphasizing finding purpose and growth, are needed for Latinos with advanced cancer.