Spirituality in Brazilian family caregivers of patients with cancer from the end-of-life care to bereavement

Author(s)

Benites, Andrea Carolina ; de Oliveira-Cardoso, Erika Arantes ; dos Santos, Manoel Antonio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: DEATH STUDIES; v. 47, n. 3, p. 10-pg., 2022-03-16.

Abstract

Although spirituality can be a source of support during end-of-life and engage a transformative experience after loss, few studies report family members' spiritual and existential needs considering their experiences over time. We conducted a longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis from audio-recorded interviews of 10 family caregivers while providing end-of-life care for cancer patients and during bereavement. Participants' spirituality experiences were presented in three superordinate themes: connectedness with religious beliefs and the deceased; re-signifying relationships, life, and loss; suffering and the family caregiver's needs. Finding connection through relationships, greater existential and spiritual suffering post-loss were important issues involved in expressing their spirituality. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/26542-5 - The lived experience of a family caregiver of a person with advanced Cancer and the significances of spirituality
• Grantee: Andrea Carolina Benites
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 19/02134-0 - The experience of advanced cancer patients and family caregivers: expanding research perspectives and interventions in psycho-oncology and palliative care between Canada and Brazil
• Grantee: Andrea Carolina Benites
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate