The role of spirituality in the relationship between religiosity and depression in prostate cancer patients Journal Article


Authors: Nelson, C.; Jacobson, C. M.; Weinberger, M. I.; Bhaskaran, V.; Rosenfeld, B.; Breitbart, W.; Roth, A. J.
Article Title: The role of spirituality in the relationship between religiosity and depression in prostate cancer patients
Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to develop a theoretical framework of the relationship among religiosity, spirituality, and depression, potentially explaining the often mixed and inconsistent associations between religiosity and depression. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 367 men (average age of 66±9 years) with prostate cancer completed measures of religiosity (extrinsic/intrinsic), spirituality (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being Scale), quality of life (FACT-G), and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Results: There was a small relationship between intrinsic religiosity and depression (r=-0.23, p<0.05) but a strong association between spirituality and depression (r=-0.58, p<0.01). Using a mediation model, the meaning/peace subscale of the spirituality measure mediated the relationship between intrinsic religiosity and depression. This model controlled for age, marital status, stage of disease, time since diagnosis, hormone therapy, quality of life, and anxiety. Conclusions: When examining religiosity and spirituality, the main component that may help reduce depression is a sense of meaning and peace. These results highlight the potential importance of developing a patient's sense of meaning through activities/interventions (not exclusive to religious involvement) to achieve this goal. © 2009 The Society of Behavioral Medicine.
Keywords: adult; aged; aged, 80 and over; middle aged; quality of life; questionnaires; prostatic neoplasms; adaptation, psychological; depression; psychiatric status rating scales; cross-sectional studies; religion; spirituality; religiosity and depression; personal satisfaction
Journal Title: Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Volume: 38
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0883-6612
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2009-10-01
Start Page: 105
End Page: 114
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s12160-009-9139-y
PUBMED: 19806413
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC2877207
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 30 November 2010" - "CODEN: ABMEE" - "Source: Scopus"
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  1. William S Breitbart
    505 Breitbart
  2. Andrew J Roth
    105 Roth
  3. Christian Nelson
    392 Nelson