6 2 S p i r i t ua l i t y S t u d i e s 7 - 2 Fa l l 2 0 2 1 ational unemployment predicts depression symptoms. The perception of cancer explains 8% of cases of experiencing anxiety and 4.8% of depression symptoms variability (Zhang et al. 2018, 8). Cancer patients experience feelings of helplessness, tiredness and irritability to a greater extent, they are more reserved and less assertive when in contact with others (Žiaková et al. 2017, 667). The use of maladaptive coping strategies in patients with colorectal cancer is related to the insufficient perception of social support (Kang et al. 2008, 592). Search for social support as a coping strategy together with religiosity and optimism (Prati and Pietrantoni 2009, 375), instrumental support, positive reframing, and humor (Schroevers and Teo 2008, 1239) prove to be important in the context of posttraumatic development. The social support is linked to long-term positive effects in the context of health, contributes to improved functionality of immune system, decreased blood pressure, reduces the risk of mortality (Hogan, Linden and Najarian 2002; Tschuschke 2004), contributes to better psychosocial adaptation (Northouse 1988, 91) and helps to cope with the cancer-related stress (Krishnasamy 1996, 757). Spirituality plays an important role in adapting to cancer. It has been proven that religiosity as a coping strategy is a significant predictor of posttraumatic growth (Prati and Pietrantoni 2009, 376). Spirituality is an attribute of every person, and there is an individual differentiation of spirituality, which concerns not only the quantity but also the quality of spiritual life. The essence of the psychological conception of spirituality is self-transcendence, which consists in transcending oneself, growth, development, “moving upwards” (Heszen and Gruszczyńska 2004, 5). According to Stríženec (2001), spirituality is an individual phenomenon, in which spiritual experience is emphasized, and is related to personal transcendence and meaningfulness. It focuses on discovering and maintaining a relationship with the sacred. Spirituality can be viewed as a form of intelligence because it predicts functioning and adaptation and offers capabilities that enable people to solve problems and attain goals. Conceiving spirituality as a sort of intelligence extends the psychologist’s conception of spirituality and allows its association with the rational cognitive processes like goal achievement and problem solving (Hosseini 2010, 179). Spirituality also means a spiritual experience that is not related to religious interpretation. It involves sensitivity to spiritual values; it is part of character building (Cagaš 2005). Spirituality in secular understanding expresses a deep connection between people and nature, people, and higher beings (Reich 2000, 125). Spirituality is generally, albeit not always, beneficial for people dealing with the consequences of trauma. Traumatic experiences may lead to deepening of spirituality. Experiencing spirituality can help patients gain a sense of control over their disease, leading to a better prognosis of the disease (Abra et al. 2004). Positive religious coping, religious openness, readiness to face existential issues, religious participation and intrinsic religiosity are usually associated with posttraumatic growth (Shaw, Joseph and Linley 2007, 1). Spirituality experiences contribute to gaining of social support, accepting difficulties, and discovering a new meaning in life. The aim of the study is to analyze the relationship between spiritual experience and adaptation to cancer. We are interested in the relationship of experiencing faith in the context of using various coping strategies in cancer survivors.
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