Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Health
Advisor
JaMuir Robinson
Abstract
African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS) struggle with physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and financial challenges. Navigating these challenges can require the use of inner resources such as fortitude and spiritual fortitude. Using Folkman and Lazarus’ transactional model of stress and coping as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this study was to examine fortitude and spiritual fortitude as coping responses by African American women living with breast cancer and whether fortitude and spiritual fortitude were associated with phases of the cancer care continuum. A quantitative nonexperimental cross-sectional design was used for primary data collection that involved using Pretorius’ Fortitude Questionnaire and Van Tongeren and Aten’s Spiritual Fortitude Scale. Fifty AABCS completed an online assessment solicited through social media. Associations between variables were determined using Spearman’s Rho and chi-square tests of independence. Although fortitude and spiritual fortitude were above average in this population, they were not associated with phases of the cancer care continuum in this study. Triple-negative breast cancer status varied in terms of its association with spiritual fortitude. The use of constructs identified in this study to promote psychological wellness and the use of spiritual resources in AABCS and other breast cancer survivors could lead to positive social change. This study may provide additional information that public health officials can use to support coping with treatment and development of culturally-based resources to promote the optimal survival of AABCS.
Recommended Citation
Boone, Karen Y., "Fortitude, Spiritual Fortitude, and the Cancer Care Continuum in African American Breast Cancer Survivors" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13218.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13218
