The paradox of spirituality: Its impact on social wellbeing in aya cancer survivors

Background: Cancer survivors often embark on a challenging journey towards physical and emotional recovery, seeking various avenues to enhance their overall well-being. Among these avenues, spirituality has gained recognition as a coping mechanism that provides solace and purpose. However, the relationship between spirituality and social well-being in cancer survivors remains a complex and understudied phenomenon. This paper explores the paradoxical impact of spirituality on social well-being in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, shedding light on a previously unexamined facet of survivorship. Our research explores the multifaceted nature of spirituality in the context of cancer survivorship, drawing on empirical evidence and qualitative insights. While spirituality can provide solace, meaning, and hope to individuals facing the daunting challenges of cancer while contributing to the overall quality of life, it may also inadvertently lead to a decrease in social well-being. This paper highlights the potential mechanisms through which spirituality can exert both positive and negative influences on the social lives of female cancer survivors.

Methods: The mixed-methods study consisted of 385 participants in the quantitative phase and 50 participants in the qualitative phase. The study used standardised questionnaires to measure quality of life, Spiritual well-being, and social well-being, and semi-structured interviews to explore the individual perspectives on spirituality.

Results: We examine the interplay between spirituality and social well-being, exploring factors such as social isolation, changes in relationships, and the impact on support networks. The paper discusses how the intensity and expression of spirituality, as well as individual differences, contribute to the observed outcomes. Furthermore, we analyse the role of healthcare providers and support systems in navigating this intricate relationship.

Conclusion: The paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the paradoxical nature of spirituality's impact on social well-being in cancer survivors. Our findings emphasise the importance of a nuanced approach to addressing the spiritual needs of cancer survivors, taking into consideration the potential consequences for their social lives. Impact on cancer survivors: This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by cancer survivors and provides valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, support organisations, and individuals navigating the complex terrain of cancer survivorship.

Dr. Prema Naittee George holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from IIT Hyderabad, with specialization specializes in Psycho-oncology. Her doctoral research explored cancer-related fatigue, work disability, and rehabilitation among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. He MPhil  thesis from IIT Hyderabad, compared the Kerala Model of Palliative Care with standard oncology care. Currently, Dr. George is an Assistant Professor at GITAM University, Hyderabad, teaching for Graduate and Post-graduate students of Applied Psychology. She has published extensively, and presented at national and international conferences, earning the Best Clinical Implication Paper award at IPOS 2020.