ABSTRACT

Finding meaning in and for one�s life has been repeatedly found to have a salutogenic effect in both normal and highly stressful situations. Similarly, religiousness/spirituality also proved to benefit people in different aspects of human functioning. Both meaning in life and religiousness/spirituality are frequently implied in the process of adaptation, thus possible sources of positive affect, emotional co-activation being a key aspect of adaptation (Larsen, Hemenover, Norris, & Cacioppo, 2003). The present study examined the relationship between positive meaning in life, religious/spiritual growth and positive affect in a sample of 72 Romanian female cancer patients. Our results show, that in the case of the assessed cancer patients, the relationship between positive affect and religious growth is mediated by the individual�s ability to find positive meaning for her life.

KEYWORDS: illness-induced stress, meaning in life, spirituality, benefit finding, positive affect.

PAGES: 161-182