Spiritual interventions for cancer pain: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

BackgroundPain is a common and debilitating cancer-related symptom. In palliative care, physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors are thought to contribute to individual experience of pain. Consequently, spiritual care interventions are advocated in the management of cancer-related pain.AimTo systematically review the published literature concerning spiritual interventions in the management of cancer-related pain.MethodologySeven databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched for quantitative studies of pain in patients with cancer receiving spiritual care interventions, with additional reference and citation searches. Research quality and relevance was appraised using Gough’s ‘Weight of Evidence’ framework prior to narrative synthesis.ResultsThe search identified 12 822 articles, of which 11 were included in the synthesis. Few studies have investigated spiritual interventions in the management of cancer pain: a minority of these demonstrate statistical benefit. Some evidence suggests spiritual care may aid in coping with pain, rather than altering pain intensity. Spiritual interventions are well received by patients with cancer and do not appear to cause harm.ConclusionCurrent evidence provides limited support for the use of spiritual care interventions in the management of cancer pain. The paucity and heterogeneity of literature points to a need for high-quality research with judgements of spiritual intervention efficacy made on an individual basis.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020190194.

Reviving the Heartland

This chapter documents the mission of American ecumenist Stewart Winfield Herman, Jr., in occupied Germany and surveys the American ecumenical effort to spiritually remake the defeated nation in America’s image. It argues that Herman and other leading American ecumenists sought to reform the German churches along American and ecumenical lines in order to establish a new Christian order across the Atlantic. It also shows that the occupation ultimately yielded a spiritual quagmire within the German Protestant church and the transatlantic ecumenical movement, one shaped by fierce historical divisions and animosities. A deep-seated suspicion toward American spiritual activism and imperialism likewise inspired fierce German opposition to American spiritual reforms. Nonetheless, American Protestants still drew inspiration from the occupation to launch much broader spiritual interventions across the entire European continent.

Psychosocial-spiritual interventions among Muslims undergoing treatment for cancer: an integrative review

Background Cancer is a global disease that affects all populations, including Muslims. Psychological and spiritual care of Muslim patients with cancer includes psychosocial and spiritual techniques that help to improve their mental health and spiritual well-being. Although these techniques are available to cancer patients worldwide, they are poorly studied among Muslim patients. This review aims to integrate the literature on the psychosocial-spiritual outcomes and perspectives of Muslim patients with cancer who have undergone psychotherapy. Method We used the Whittemore and Knafl five-step methodology. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO using relevant keywords. Studies that focused on adult patients with cancer and on published evidence of using psychosocial and spiritual interventions among Muslim patients were included. Each study was reviewed, evaluated, and integrated. Results A systematic search produced 18 studies that were thematically analyzed. Results showed different psychosocial and spiritual approaches currently used to care for Muslim patients with cancer that target mainly patients’ mental health, quality of life, and spiritual well-being. Four major themes emerged: (1) Treating Psychological Distress Without Psychopharmacologic Agents, (2) Improving Knowledge of Cancer for Improving QOL, (3) Depending on Faith for Spiritual Well-being, and (4) Relying on Religious and Spiritual Sources: Letting Go, Letting God. Conclusions The rigor of psychosocial and spiritual studies that target psychosocial-spiritual outcomes of Muslim cancer patients needs to be improved to reach conclusive evidence about their efficacy in this population.

Changing landscapes of death and burial practices: public health response in time of COVID-19 pandemic

In a recent correspondence published in this journal, the author calls for spiritual interventions for the living and the dead that be considered by the medical community especially in the time of COVID-19. This paper further elaborates on the need to consider the death and burial practices of bereaved families of patients who died of COVID-19 with strict observance of health protocols. Death and burial practices are significant moments in finding meaning for bereaved families in accepting the demise of their loved ones during this pandemic.

COVID-19: spiritual interventions for the living and the dead

ABSTRACT In a recently published correspondence to the editor of this journal, the authors have called for a need to address the risk and dangers of preparing of funeral directors in handling the dead. This paper provides an urgent appeal to the medical community to include the issue of religious or spiritual interventions for the living and the dead. However, a question is raised: what kind and form of spiritual or religious interventions can the religious leaders come up with? The most immediate need is to provide care for those infected by the COVID-19, providing assistance in their healing process and giving spiritual support to the bereaved family members.

Spiritual Needs and Influencing Factors of Indonesian Muslims With Cancer During Hospitalization

Introduction: Although Muslims constitute nearly one fourth of the global population, many non-Muslims are not familiar with Islam. To address this unique need from such a specific cultural context, the present study aimed to examine the spiritual needs and influencing factors of Indonesian Muslims with cancer. Method: A cross-sectional research design with 122 cancer patients was conducted by using the Bahasa-version Spiritual Needs Questionnaire. Results: The degree of spiritual needs was generally high. Religious needs were the strongest aspect, and “praying five times a day” was the highest scoring item. Gender ( p = .04), age ( p = .01), and duration of being diagnosed with cancer ( p = .01) were associated with spiritual needs. Female gender ( p = .005) and older age ( p < .001) were predictors of spiritual needs. Discussion: As expected to provide cultural-congruent spiritual interventions, nurses could meet Muslim patients’ need to pray five times a day during hospitalization, thus help them manage and endure the illness.

Multi-Cultural Counseling and Spiritual Interventions

With the start of individuals from different cultures and subcultures taking part in the same society, the process of understanding and recognizing cultures has found its place in psychology and counseling. While multicultural counseling evaluates the counselor’s cultural values in the counseling environment, various ideas have been formed to address spirituality. This article summarizes the place of counseling in the psychology literature, along with perspectives on dealing with religion and spirituality. It then aims to examine the process of multiculturalism and multicultural counseling in terms of spirituality and traditional approaches.