ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe a domain of spiritual coping known as "surrender," as experienced among women diagnosed with breast cancer who participated in Psycho-Spiritual Integrative Therapy (PSIT). Surrender is a concept similar to active acceptance, which has been studied extensively, but surrender in the context of spiritual supportive care has received little attention. METHODS: After participating in PSIT, which includes exercises in surrender, 23 participants completed an open-ended questionnaire about their experiences of surrender. Twelve women whose responses were most complete and expressive were selected to be analyzed for this study. A thematic analysis was conducted to better understand how surrender experiences may contribute to supportive care. RESULTS: Four distinct themes were identified: experience of surrender, facilitation of surrender, inhibition of surrender, and ease and completeness of surrender. Although the manifestations of surrender varied, women were consistent in describing these experiences positively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings build upon previous evidence that spirituality, optimism, and active acceptance have a positive impact on well-being in cancer patients. The findings provide insight into the usefulness of PSIT for women with breast cancer and inform future research on the intervention.
