The relationship between spiritual experiences, resilience, and caregiver burden in mothers of hospitalized children with cancer: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
A diagnosis of cancer in a child and the subsequent treatment and care can significantly affect families, particularly mothers, leading to various psychological stressors. Previous research has suggested that spiritual experiences may play a crucial role in enhancing resilience and coping with the challenges associated with caring for a child with cancer. This study aimed to investigate the association between spiritual experiences, resilience, and caregiver burden among mothers of children with cancer hospitalized at Dr. Mohammad Kermanshahi Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2023. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on a convenience sample of mothers of hospitalized children with cancer. Data collection involved using a demographic form, the Caregiver Burden Scale, Connor‐Davidson resilience scale, and the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The mean total caregiver burden score among mothers of children with cancer was 48.69 ± 10.98, with resilience scores averaging 71.15 ± 14.18 and spiritual experience scores at 79.45 ± 6.02. These findings indicate that mothers in this population experienced moderate levels of caregiver burden while demonstrating high levels of resilience. A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between caregiver burden and resilience ( P < .05). Conversely, a significant positive correlation emerged between spiritual experiences and resilience ( P < .05). However, no statistically significant relationship was found between caregiver burden and spiritual experiences ( P > .05). This study underscores the critical role of resilience enhancement in mitigating caregiver burden among mothers of children with cancer. The findings suggest that effective support programs and psychological interventions should prioritize strategies aimed at bolstering resilience and fostering spiritual well-being to improve the overall quality of life for these mothers.