An Integrated Literature Review Revealing the Process of Awakening the Spiritual Self/Identity Among Adolescents With Cancer

Abstract

This integrative review was conducted to determine the current state of science in understanding the process of awakening the spiritual self/identity among adolescents with cancer. Twenty-six studies were included in the data synthesis. Six major themes were identified: recounting rough spots of the cancer experience, the spiritual self/identity, nurturing the spiritual self/identity, affirming values and beliefs, abiding resilience and transcendence, and portraying the cancer experience. Findings offer increased understanding of the process of awakening the spiritual self/identity among adolescents with cancer that can guide spiritual nursing practice and inform future research including the development of spiritual care interventions.