Transcending the Suffering in Cancer: Impact of a Spiritual Life Review Intervention on Spiritual Re-Evaluation, Spiritual Growth and Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing

Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw,Lenneke Post,R. Ruard Ganzevoort

doi:10.3390/rel11030142

Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw, Lenneke Post + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/rel11030142

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Abstract

In the confrontation with cancer, spiritual re-evaluation may help people to transform all-encompassing suffering into spiritual growth and psycho-spiritual wellbeing. The aim of this study was to examine whether spiritual life review (SLR), a semi-structured group narrative intervention that supports people with cancer to write and present their spiritual life story, is effective for the improvement of spiritual re-evaluation, spiritual growth, and psycho-spiritual wellbeing. In this mixed methods study, 57 cancer patients participated. Quantitative data were collected by means of patient reported outcomes (SAIL, Dutch Ryff, and NEIS) at baseline, post-intervention, and three and nine months follow-up (44 participants completed up to 9 months post-intervention). Changes over time were assessed via linear mixed model analysis (LMM). Qualitative data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews with 33 participants nine months post-intervention, and were coded in a two-stage process. Participating in SLR facilitated spiritual re-evaluation, and improved the course of spiritual growth, psycho-spiritual wellbeing, and ego-integrity. This study provides evidence that SLR is likely to improve spiritual re-evaluation, spiritual growth, and psycho-spiritual wellbeing after confrontation with cancer; it also suggests the importance of self-affirmation and ego-integrity for spirituality; and underscores the relevance of narrative spiritual interventions in the oncology setting.

Highlights

A cancer diagnosis radically confronts people with the limits of existence
We present our mixed methods empirical research on the impact of a spiritual life review (SLR), a semi-structured group intervention aimed at the reflection on, and writing and presentation of, one’s spiritual autobiography
We explore the impact of a spiritual life review intervention on spiritual re-evaluation, spiritual growth, and psycho-spiritual wellbeing

Summary

Introduction

A cancer diagnosis radically confronts people with the limits of existence. Life, people with cancer experience firsthand, is uncertain and cannot be controlled fully, while people are mortal, vulnerable, and dependent upon each other and the unknowable. Suggest that transcendence of the suffering in cancer is attained by means of personal and spiritual growth, as one—through re-evaluation of oneself—finds new meaning and priorities; lives one’s life and relationships ; and experiences wellbeing, peace, and inner harmony. They propose that the assessment, care, and treatment of suffering in cancer requires engagement with the spiritual health and spirituality of the sufferer; and engagement with the manner in which people find meaning and purpose, and experience their connectedness to the self, others, and the significant, or sacred. Recent meta-analyses investigating the efficacy of spiritual and existential interventions for people with cancer suggest that spiritual interventions may improve psycho-spiritual well-being and quality of life (Bauereiß et al 2018; Oh and Kim 2014; Park et al 2015; Xing et al 2018)

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