Relationship between spiritual well-being with anxiety and depression among cancer patients

PMCID: PMC12176229

PMID: 40531814

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322923

Journal: PloS one

Publication Date: 2025-6-18

Authors: Vakili Sadeghi M, Tehrani MA, Pasha H, Hamidia A, Nabipour M, et al.

Key Points

• Spiritual well-being significantly and negatively predicts anxiety (β = -0.154, P < 0.001) and depression (β = -0.134, P < 0.001) in cancer patients
• 53% of patients were suspected of having anxiety disorders, and 43% were suspected of depression
• Spirituality-based care programs may be an effective intervention strategy to promote mental health and psychological resilience in cancer patients

Summary

This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between spiritual well-being and psychological health among 200 cancer patients, revealing significant insights into the protective role of spirituality in managing cancer-related anxiety and depression. The research found that nearly half of the patients experienced anxiety and depression, with spiritual well-being demonstrating a notable negative predictive relationship with both psychological conditions.

The study highlighted that spiritual well-being, particularly its religious and existential dimensions, serves as a critical psychological buffer for cancer patients. Notably, patients with higher levels of spiritual well-being showed lower anxiety and depression scores, with statistically significant inverse correlations. Educational level emerged as an important factor, with university-educated patients demonstrating higher spiritual health and lower psychological distress.