Religious Resources in Long-Term Adjustment to Breast Cancer

Abstract This cross-sectional study explored the role of religious resources in long-term adjustment to breast cancer. A sample of 32 survivors was assessed on indexes of religious resources (e.g., God image), nonreligious resources (e.g., optimism), and emotional and spiritual well-being. Results indicated that both relationship with God, or God image, and religious coping behavior were related to the survivors' well-being. However, the relationship of these resources with well-being and other nonreligious resources was complex. Different types of relationship with God (e.g., presence) and religious coping behavior (e.g., religious discontent) demonstrated different associations with aspects of emotional well-being and nonreligious resources (e.g., optimism). For example, women who had a sense of a benevolent God experienced less psychological distress in their current life situation. Finally, religious resources, in general, added to the prediction of emotional well-being for the long-term survivors beyond the contribution of nonreligious resources. Key Words: Religionspiritualitycancer