Spirituality and the Experience of Cancer in an African-American Community

Abstract

This study examined the role of spirituality in the cancer experiences of 16 African Americans living in the southern United States. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, without any investigator-initiated mention of spirituality, participants referred to 28 categories of spiritual beliefs and practices that were relevant in their experiences with cancer. In the second phase, which specifically explored spirituality, there was greater elaboration on the initial categories, and 7 additional categories were identified. Key findings included (1) the belief in God as the source of healing, (2) the value of prayer as an instrumental practice, (3) a strategy termed “turning it over to the Lord,” and (4) the situating of the cancer experience within the larger life narrative. The author suggests that the willingness of care providers to address spiritual and cultural dimensions of cancer may greatly enhance therapeutic relationships and the efficacy of psychosocial interventions.