Spiritual experiences of transcendence in patients with advanced cancer.
M Renz, M Schuett Mao, A Omlin, D Bueche, T Cerny, F Strasser
The American journal of hospice & palliative care March 1, 2015 DOI: 10.1177/1049909113512201 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSpiritual experiences of transcendence are common among advanced cancer patients and are associated with reduced pain, anxiety, and greater acceptance of illness and death, as well as a new spiritual identity. In a 12-month observational study of 251 hospitalized patients, 135 spontaneously communicated such experiences, which occurred across diverse religious affiliations and attitudes. The findings suggest that experience-based spiritual care could complement existing needs-based approaches in palliative care.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study with participant observation and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 251 |
| Population | Advanced cancer patients hospitalized in a hospital setting |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | Connectedness Empathy Music therapy Palliative care |
| Key finding | Spiritual experiences of transcendence were frequently reported by advanced cancer patients and were linked to reduced pain, anxiety, and greater acceptance of illness and death. |
Abstract
Spirituality encompasses a wide range of meanings between holistic wellbeing and mysticism. We explored advanced cancer patients' spiritual experiences of transcendence. A total of 251 patients with advanced cancer were included and observed (participant observation) over 12 months by a psycho-oncologist/music-therapist. She recorded and documented patients' spontaneously expressed spiritual experiences during hospitalisation. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was applied. 135 patients communicated a spiritual experience, as expressed by altered body-awareness, less pain, less anxiety, higher acceptance of illness/death, new spiritual identity. Spiritual experiences were communicated by patients across different religious affiliations/attitudes. We identified types of spiritual experiences. The occurrence of spiritual experiences seems to be frequent and associated with profound, powerful reactions. Our results indicate that experienced-based spiritual care may complement current needs-based approaches.