Spiritual Self-care: A Qualitative Study of Existential Spirituality in People with Cancer in Iran

Background: Spiritual self-care (SSC) is a multidimensional construct encompassing spirituality-based activities to promote health. It is an up-to-date approach that individuals engage in to promote ongoing personal development and well-being in health and illness. Existential spirituality, which is a key aspect of the broader concept of SSC, pertains to the way individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives, particularly during an existential crisis when a previously held worldview loses its legitimacy. In the context of cancer management, understanding the dimensions of SSC is crucial for achieving holistic health and well-being, as it addresses the spiritual and existential needs of individuals facing illness and suffering. Methods: This qualitative study aimed to explore health-promoting SSC activities among people with cancer in Iran. The study was conducted using the conventional content analysis approach guided by White’s Theory of Spirituality and Spiritual Self-Care (WTSSSC). Participants were 12 people with cancer registered with Yas Charity Support Association for Cancer Patients in Kerman, who were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the participants. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis. Results: The qualitative analysis of the experiences of individuals with cancer engaging in health-promoting SSC activities revealed four themes (each with subthemes) including Representation of Artistic-Aesthetic Activities (Harmonizing with Nature and Music), Semantic Recovery (Semantic Recovery of Relationships and Embracing Novel Experiences), Hope Orientation (Promoting Hope), and Embodied Movement Mindfulness (Embodied Mindfulness). Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the dimensions of SCC activities in people with cancer, highlighting the importance of integrating these activities with conventional cancer treatments to promote health and well-being. Successful implementation of this holistic approach requires active support from healthcare providers.