Role of religion and spirituality in cancer coping among African Americans: Testing a theoretical model

There is ample literature suggesting that cancer patients, particularly African Americans, rely on religion and/or spirituality to cope with the disease. However, what is yet to be determined is HOW they do so, or which aspects of religion/spirituality are important in cancer coping. The present study developed, operationalized, and tested a model of religion/spirituality and cancer coping among African Americans, based on our qualitative findings from the previous research phase. Constructs included in the model were based on the qualitative analysis. The team identified existing measures for several of the constructs. New instruments were developed and validated to assess novel constructs including role of God as a healer, control (or lack thereof) over one's illness, role of God in coping, and connectedness to self, others, God, and the world in the context of the cancer experience. The theoretical model was tested in the study sample of 200 African Americans with a cancer diagnosis. Preliminary data suggest the new instruments to have strong internal reliability and some are multidimensional in nature. Further data are reported from the model testing phase, indicating which constructs play a role in cancer coping and quality of life among study participants. When more is learned about the specific nature of the relationship between religion/spirituality and coping and quality of life, this information can be used to more fully inform cancer support and survivorship interventions.