Role of religion in cancer coping among African Americans: a qualitative examination.

The present study used qualitative methods to examine if and how African Americans with cancer use religiosity in coping. Patients (N = 23) were recruited from physician offices and completed 1-1(1/2) hour interviews. Themes that emerged included but were not limited to control over one's illness, emotional response, importance of social support, role of God as a healer, relying on God, importance of faith for recovery, prayer and scripture study, and making sense of the illness.

Role of spirituality in cancer coping among African Americans: a qualitative examination.

Introduction: This study used qualitative methods to examine whether, and if so how, African American cancer survivors use spirituality in coping with the disease. Spirituality was defined using a model involving connectedness to self, others, a higher power, and the world.

Methods: Twenty-three African American patients with various forms of cancer were recruited from physician offices and completed 1-1.