Grief and spiritual well-being after cancer loss: insights from family caregivers

Karacan Y., YILMAZ H., Akkus Y.

European Journal of Oncology Nursing, vol.76, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 76
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.102887
  • Journal Name: European Journal of Oncology Nursing
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ASSIA, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
  • Keywords: Bereavement support, Cancer loss, Family caregivers, Grief, Healthcare professionals, Psychological impact, Spiritual well-being
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the profound impact of spiritual well-being on the grief process experienced by family caregivers following the loss of cancer patients. Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive study, it involved 289 caregivers affiliated with the “Prayers and Condolences” group of the Cancer Warriors Association. Findings: Caregivers reported that patients experienced suffering in 45.0 % of cases during the dying process. Post-loss emotions such as numbness, loneliness, purposelessness, and intense suffering were commonly noted. Findings reveal a very weak negative correlation between spiritual well-being and total grief, emotional grief, and a weak negative correlation with behavioral grief. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need to identify caregivers requiring psychosocial support, provide tailored interventions, establish robust institutional support mechanisms, and enhance healthcare professionals’ awareness of the pivotal role of spiritual care in grief management.