Post-traumatic spiritual growth in hematologic cancer survivors

Abstract

Background: Cancer is currently considered a world public health problem as it is one of the leading causes of death due to non-communicable disease. Although complete pathological remission has been gradually achieved, to be diagnosed with cancer could have left patients mentally and spiritually traumatized. In Thailand, no study on post-traumatic spiritual growth in medical practice can be found so far.

Objective: To study the experiences of hematological cancer survivors that affect spiritual growth after trauma.

Method: A qualitative study was conducted on 15 hematologic cancer survivors with at least two-year remission at the Division of Hematology and Oncology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, using semi-structured interview focused on post-traumatic spiritualgrowth. Data were analyzed using constant comparison method.

Results: Overall, the study shows that during and after the treatment, cancer survivors experienced spiritual growth by having their own constructed expectations to conquer cancer, receiving help from others, and holding religious beliefs. As a result, cancer survivors explicated their growth in three aspects. Firstly, an existential awareness, namely, the ultimate truth of life, meaning of life, inner strength, and self-fulfillment. Secondly, positive change in relation to others such as a sense of gratitude, empathy and a will to help less fortunate people. Lastly,
interest in religious doctrines and practices.

Conclusion: Patients deliberately raised their growth in spirituality which led them to profoundly realize the illness as a common life problem and learn how to face it congruently. If healthcare providers have more interest and understanding on how holistic paradigm of health may further enhance patient’s spirituality, they can support the patient from suffering their lifethreatening illness and help them recover from trauma with a higher potentiality.