Religiousness, Spirituality, and Salivary Cortisol in Breast Cancer Survivorship: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Psychoneuroimmunological theory suggests a physiological relationship exists between stress, psychosocial-behavioral factors, and neuroendocrine-immune outcomes; however, evidence has been limited.

Objective

The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine feasibility and acceptability of a salivary cortisol self-collection protocol with a mail-back option for breast cancer survivors. A secondary aim was to examine relationships between religiousness/spirituality (R/S), perceptions of health, and diurnal salivary cortisol (DSC) as a proxy measure for neuroendocrine activity.

Methods

This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Participants completed measures of R/S, perceptions of health, demographics, and DSC.

Results

The sample was compose

SUBMITTER: Hulett JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5540803 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar/Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature