Abstract
Objectives: In this paper,we investigate Danish cancer patients’ narratives on spiritual beliefs and practices
and the relationship these practices may have to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Design: Narrative inquiry is used to uncover how spiritual beliefs and practices may be related to CAM.
The analysis is based on empirical findings from a recent PhD project. During a two-year period first
author followed 32 cancer patients, family, friends and alternative practitioners through interviews,
telephone conversations, treatments and in focus groups.
Results: As a general pattern, religious and spiritual issues were not extensively unfolded in participants’
illness narratives. However, these issues were significantly elaborated on in narratives by four female
participants.
Conclusion: We propose that for some cancer patients CAM may function, not only or primarily as a treatment
for cancer related symptoms and side effects, but as a spiritual practice as well. For some individuals
this may be true to an even higher extent than in established religious institutions.
and the relationship these practices may have to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Design: Narrative inquiry is used to uncover how spiritual beliefs and practices may be related to CAM.
The analysis is based on empirical findings from a recent PhD project. During a two-year period first
author followed 32 cancer patients, family, friends and alternative practitioners through interviews,
telephone conversations, treatments and in focus groups.
Results: As a general pattern, religious and spiritual issues were not extensively unfolded in participants’
illness narratives. However, these issues were significantly elaborated on in narratives by four female
participants.
Conclusion: We propose that for some cancer patients CAM may function, not only or primarily as a treatment
for cancer related symptoms and side effects, but as a spiritual practice as well. For some individuals
this may be true to an even higher extent than in established religious institutions.
| Bidragets oversatte titel | Lidelses narrativer i kræft: CAM og spirituelle praksisser. |
|---|---|
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
| Tidsskrift | Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice |
| Vol/bind | 17 |
| Udgave nummer | 4 |
| Sider (fra-til) | 221-225 |
| ISSN | 1744-3881 |
| DOI | |
| Status | Udgivet - 2011 |