Centering Prayer for Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Pilot Study

Purpose/Objectives: To explore the feasibility of implementing centering prayer in chemotherapy treatment and assess its influence on mood, spiritual well-being, and quality of life in women with recurrent ovarian cancer.

Design: Descriptive pilot study.

Setting: Outpatient chemotherapy treatment suite in a large cancer center in the midwestern United States.

Sample: A convenience sample of 10 women receiving outpatient chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods: A centering prayer teacher led participants through three one-hour sessions over nine weeks. Data were collected prior to the first session, at the conclusion of the final session, and at three and six months after the final session.

Main Research Variables: Feasibility and influence of centering prayer on mood, spiritual well-being, and quality of life.

Findings: Most participants identified centering prayer as beneficial. Emotional well-being, anxiety, depression, and faith scores showed improvement.

Conclusions: Centering prayer can potentially benefit women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Additional research is needed to assess its feasibility and effectiveness.

Implications for Nursing: Nurses may promote or suggest centering prayer as a feasible intervention for the psychological and spiritual adjustment of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.