Premium
Body, mind and spirit: towards the integration of religiosity and spirituality in cancer quality of life research
Author(s) -
Mytko Johanna J.,
Knight Sara J.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1611(199909/10)8:5<439::aid-pon421>3.0.co;2-l
Subject(s) - spirituality , religiosity , psychosocial , psychology , quality of life (healthcare) , quality (philosophy) , empirical research , social psychology , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , medicine , alternative medicine , epistemology , philosophy , pathology
The importance of religion and spirituality to the American public has been highlighted by recent opinion polls, media attention and empirical studies. Psychosocial researchers are incorporating these variables into studies of emotional and physical illness. A number of studies have found that, for cancer patients, religious, spiritual and quality of life concerns are paramount. This paper reviews the literature relating religion and spirituality to physical and emotional health and quality of life. Definitions and measurement issues related to religiosity/spirituality and quality of life are discussed. The paper provides a rationale and methodological suggestions for future studies assessing religious and spiritual beliefs of cancer patients in relation to quality of life. The authors conclude that regular inclusion of religiosity and spirituality measures in quality of life studies is needed in order to understand the integration of mind, body and spirit in cancer care. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.