The Role of Daily Spiritual Experiences in Hope and Posttraumatic Growth in Patients with Leukemia

Background and Objectives: The increased incidence of leukemia is one of the problems facing modern medicine. People with a diagnosis of cancer need to remain hopeful during the process of treatment and diagnosis of cancer sometimes leads to posttraumatic growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of daily spiritual experiences in the hope and posttraumatic growth among patients with leukemia. Methods: To conduct this descriptive-correlational study, 70 patients with leukemia in Zahedan were selected by convenience sampling in 2015. The instruments used in this study were the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (DSES), the Hope Scale, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. To analyze the relationship between variables and predict changes in hope and posttraumatic growth, correlation and stepwise regression analysis were used. Results: Total score on the DSES and scores on its three subscales were directly and significantly correlated with hope and posttraumatic growth, and only the total score on the DSES could predict hope. The total score on the DSES and the subscale feeling of responsibility for others could predict posttraumatic growth. Conclusion: From the results, it can be deduced that daily spiritual experiences are effective on the hope and posttraumatic growth in patients with leukemia.