The Relationship Between Psychological Resilience, Ruminative Thoughts, and Spiritual Well‐Being of Individuals Diagnosed With Cancer: Descriptive and Correlational Research

ABSTRACT Aim This study was conducted to examine the relationship between psychological resilience, ruminative thoughts and spiritual well‐being of individuals diagnosed with cancer. Background Cancer, which can cause fear, anger and future anxiety in individuals from the moment of diagnosis, is a disease that individuals can associate with death, pain, and suffering. Design A descriptive and correlational research design was employed. Methods The study sample consisted of 382 patients receiving outpatient treatment at an oncology center affiliated with a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, Ruminative Reactions Scale, Psychological Resilience Scale, and FACIT‐Sp Spiritual Well‐Being Scale. We evaluated the data via descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses. Results The resilience score of the participants was 52.48 ± 6.96, the ruminative reactions score was 44.26 ± 15.11, and the FACIT‐Sp total score was 38.97 ± 8.23. In the study, there was a moderate and statistically significant positive relationship between the mean psychological resilience score and the mean scores of FACIT‐Sp on the meaning, FACIT‐Sp peace, FACIT‐Sp faith sub‐dimensions, and the total scale of FACIT‐Sp ( p < 0.05). Also, a moderate and statistically significant negative relationship existed between the mean psychological resilience and the ruminative response scores ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Participants' psychological resilience was slightly higher than moderate, their ruminative thoughts were moderate, and their spiritual well‐being was high. In addition, there was a relationship between psychological resilience, ruminative reactions, and spiritual well‐being. Relevance to Clinical Practice They may be important for nurses to plan and implement interventions that will reduce patients' ruminative thinking and increase their spiritual well‐being and resilience. Therefore, the results obtained in this study may help nursing care be more effective. Reporting Method The reporting of the results of the study was conducted in accordance with the STROBE guidelines.