Abstract
The present paper looks at the influence of culture on Turkish cancer patients’ use of meaning-making coping, paying particular attention to religious, spiritual, and existential coping methods. Data were collected using an interview study (n = 25, 18 women, age range 20–71). Individuals were recruited at an oncology center and a psychiatry clinic in Istanbul. The main focus of the study has been on existential meaning-making coping, which is characterized by finding power inside oneself, altruism, family love, a search for meaning by contemplating philosophical issues, and having a positive life perspective (shukran—thankfulness). In contrast to findings from similar studies conducted in other countries (studies included in the same project), in Turkey religious belief directly determines the coping methods used, including the non-religious methods.
Highlights
To look more closely at the role of culture in cancer patients’ use of meaning-making coping, an international project has been conducted in five countries (Sweden, South Korea, China, Japan, and Turkey)
The present paper looks at the influence of culture on Turkish cancer patients’ use of meaning-making coping, paying particular attention to religious, spiritual, and existential coping methods
The purpose of the project has been to focus on different forms of meaning-making coping among people diagnosed with cancer and to try to understand the influence of culture on the use of these coping methods
Summary
To look more closely at the role of culture in cancer patients’ use of meaning-making coping, an international project has been conducted in five countries (Sweden, South Korea, China, Japan, and Turkey). The purpose of the project has been to focus on different forms of meaning-making coping (existential, spiritual, and religious coping) among people diagnosed with cancer and to try to understand the influence of culture on the use of these coping methods. In the current article, which is based on a study carried out in Turkey, we present results on religious, spiritual, and existential meaning-making methods of coping with cancer. A detailed discussion on the religious coping methods has already been presented in another paper (Ahmadi et al 2016a). The term meaning-making coping is used to refer to the entire spectrum of religious, spiritual, and existential coping methods (ibid.)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
