Effect of Spirituality on Psychological Resilience and Hope in Patient-Family Caregiver Dyads Experiencing Gynecological Cancer

Abstract

Background Women experiencing gynecological cancer (GCPs) and family caregivers (FCGs) use spirituality to cope with cancer. However, the dual relationship between the impact of spirituality on psychological resilience and hope among both GCPs and FCGs has not yet been explored. Objective To examine the interdependent relationship between spirituality, psychological resilience, and hope of women with gynecological cancer and their FCGs at the dyadic level. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 107 dyads were recruited from the gynecological oncology departments of 2 university hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. The GCPs and FCGs completed a Patient/Family Caregiver Information Form, Spiritual Well-being Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Dispositional Hope Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlations. This study used the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Results Spirituality of both GCPs and FCGs had a significant positive effect on their psychological resilience (B = 0.918, P < .001; B = 0.435, P < .001, respectively) and hope (B = 0.350, P < .001; B = 0.246, P < .001, respectively). However, the spirituality of GCPs and FCGs did not have a partner effect on psychological resilience (B = −0.150, P < .052; B = −0.150, P = .052, respectively) and hope (B = −0.012, P = .810; B = 0.073, P = .157, respectively). Conclusions Spirituality of GCPs and their FCGs positively affected their psychological resilience and hope, but the effect on each other was limited. Implications for Practice Health professionals, especially nurses, should focus on tailoring spiritual care interventions to the unique needs of each individual within the GCP and FCG dyads. Personalized approaches that recognize and address the specific spiritual concerns of patients and caregivers may be more effective in promoting psychological resilience and hope.