ABSTRACT
Objective:
to examine adolescents’ perception about spirituality, religion and personal beliefs in their lives due to cancer and a possible strategy for coping with the disease.
Method:
qualitative research, both descriptive and exploratory. The data were collected by means of a personal semi-structured interview, and the categories were analyzed by content analyzes.
Results:
nine adolescents who were undergoing cancer treatment at one of the two institutions located Uberaba, Brazil, participated in the study. Based on the analysis and interpretation of results, it was possible to systematize them according to four categories: spiritual history of the individual; faith and belief; importance of spirituality in their lives, and the community acting as a spiritual supporter. Most adolescents referred to spirituality as being an important tool for dealing with the disease, especially concerning religious rituals and community support.
Conclusion:
spirituality creates hope for adolescents, which helps them to cope with cancer-related diffi culties and contribute to the search for the meaning of life.
Key words:
Adolescent; Cancer; Spirituality