Spirituality. Finally, spirituality may be another important variable in a cancer patient’s experience. Spirituality may buffer against the negative effects of life stressors. It has been demonstrated that spirituality can enhance physical and psychological well-being (Oxman, Freeman, & Manheimer, 1995), and predicts various health outcomes (Levin, 1994). In fact, Levin (1994) reviews more than 250 published empirical studies on the largely beneficial health effects of religious or spiritual practice. Because women with breast cancer face many stressors, it appears important to address their spiritual as well their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional needs in an attempt to buffer against the effects of stress
