Religiousness as a Predictor of Meaning in Life Among Oncology Patients

Abstract

This study aimed to ascertain whether a set of variables pertaining to religious attitude (religious self-determination, importance of God in life, and attendance at the Eucharist) serve as significant predictors of meaning in life among oncology patients. A total of 50 oncology patients undergoing outpatient treatment participated in the study and the Religious Attitudes Questionnaire and the Purpose in Life Test were administered to them. Data was analyzed using correlation tests and a regression model. The results showed that attendance at the Eucharist and the importance of God in life were significant predictors of the sense of meaning in life among oncology patients, whereas religious self-definition was not a significant predictor. The implications of these results are discussed in order to achieve a more holistic approach to the care of oncology patients.