Date of Conferral

3-14-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Leann Stadtlander

Abstract

Terminal cancer patients with unmet spiritual needs are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and an overall decrease in the quality of their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Even though the incidence of cancer continues to increase, with better treatment, patients are surviving longer. There is a known connection between spiritual, and physical well-being, but research has indicated that this connection is sometimes overlooked in certain populations. In this phenomenological qualitative study, the participants’ lived experiences communicating with their physician about spirituality while in treatment for cancer were examined. The biopsychosocial-spiritual model was used to explore the lived experiences of nine participants who were cancer survivors communicating with their physician about spirituality while in treatment for cancer. Data from the interviews were analyzed through coding and the development of themes. The results indicated a broad spectrum of definitions of spirituality, with the participants using the terms religion and spirituality interchangeably. The participants confirmed the perceived separation between medicine and spirituality, although most patients indicated they would have benefited from some spiritual conversation initiated by the physician. This study may lead to positive social change by improving physicians’ understanding of what their patients need, thus improving patient care by potentially improving communication between patients and physicians, decreasing anxiety and depression as well as improving spiritual well-being for patients.

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