Catholic Culture and Secular Resources as Safeguards for Brazilian Cancer Patients

A Qualitative Exploration of Coping Strategies

Bibliographic Data

ID24215657
AuthorsFereshteh Ahmadi (0000-0002-8823-6434, University of Gävle), Mary Rute Gomes Esperandio (Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná–PUCPR), Saeid Zandi (0000-0003-1272-7170, University of Gävle), Marcio Luiz Fernandes (0000-0002-0944-1676, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná–PUCPR)
Year2026
Publication date2026-09-30
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueIllness Crisis & Loss (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1054-1373 • E-ISSN: 1552-6968
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10541373261491841
OpenAlexW7214940782
LanguageEN
References cited17

Individuals with cancer utilize coping strategies to manage the stress of diagnosis. This qualitative research examines coping mechanisms within a sample of 10 Brazilian cancer patients, selected via purposive sampling. Thematic analysis of interviews indicated the application of both religious and secular (existential and non-existential) coping strategies. The findings illustrate the influence of culture on coping among this sample, suggesting a pronounced role for religious coping within their predominantly Christian backgrounds. Additionally, the results highlight the important role that secular existential and non-existential coping play in navigating cancer for these participants.

Brazilian patients · cancer patients · Catholic culture · Christian faith · coping strategies · existential coping · religious coping · Cancer survivorship and care · Palliative and Oncologic Care · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

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