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Spiritual Coping: A Gateway to Enhancing Family Communication During Cancer Treatment

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Abstract

The researchers examined the spiritual coping, family communication, and family functioning of 95 participants in 34 families by an online survey. Multilevel linear regression was used to test whether individuals’ and families’ higher endorsement of more use of spiritual coping strategies to deal with a member’s cancer would be associated with higher scores on family communication and family functioning, and whether better communication would also be associated with higher family functioning scores. Results revealed that spiritual coping was positively associated with family communication, and family communication was positively associated with healthier family functioning. The researchers provide suggestions for further research.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by an intramural grant from Texas Tech University, College of Human Sciences. We extend appreciation to the patients and their families for their time and contributions to this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Texas Tech University System, Lubbock, TX, USA

    Anne M. Prouty, Judith Fischer, Ann Purdom & Everardo Cobos

  2. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

    Karen B. Helmeke

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  1. Anne M. Prouty
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  2. Judith Fischer
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Correspondence to Anne M. Prouty.

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Prouty, A.M., Fischer, J., Purdom, A. et al. Spiritual Coping: A Gateway to Enhancing Family Communication During Cancer Treatment. J Relig Health 55, 269–287 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-015-0108-4

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