Structure of the spiritual pain of bereaved caregivers of cancer patients: A preliminary scale development
Hiroko Sumi, Shuji Hiramoto, Kento Masukawa, Tatsuya Morita, Yoshiyuki Kizawa, Satoru Tsuneto, Yasuo Shima, Mitsunori Miyashita, Yuki Shirai, Keiko TamuraAbstract
Background
Although spiritual pain in cancer patients has been extensively studied, little is known about the spiritual pain experienced by bereaved caregivers in Japan.
Objectives
This preliminary scale development aimed to clarify the structure of spiritual pain experienced by bereaved caregivers of cancer patients.
Methods
This preliminary scale development was conducted as a secondary analysis of the nationwide J-HOPE4 survey, a cross-sectional questionnaire study of bereaved family members of cancer patients. Thirty-five items related to spiritual pain were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA).
Results
Responses were obtained from 930 bereaved caregivers in general hospitals and palliative care units. Seven constructs were obtained through the EFA: Loneliness, Life’s heartlessness, A sense of unfinished business, Distress over patient deterioration, Remorse, Regret, and A sense of loss.
Conclusion
This preliminary scale development provides insights into the structure of spiritual pain experienced by bereaved caregivers of cancer patients. Further validation using independent samples is required.
Significance of results
Seven factors of spiritual pain were identified among bereaved caregivers of cancer patients, and understanding this multidimensional experience may inform supportive care.