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Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026)
Special Issue: Faith-Informed Mental Wellbeing and Resilience

Special Issue: Faith-Informed Mental Wellbeing and Resilience

Spiritual Distress and Support Needs Among Muslim Young Adults Living with Cancer: A Qualitative Study

https://doi.org/10.55831/ajis.v11i1.1181

Published 12.02.2026

Ainul Mardiah
Universitas Mercu Buana Jakarta

Deborah Lycett
Coventry University

Andy Turner
Coventry University

Abstract

In Indonesia, most research concentrates on helping adult cancer patients manage their biopsychosocial issues. It seldom examines the spiritual concerns and needs of Muslim young adults living with cancer from a comprehensive perspective. The objectives of this research are to 1) investigate the spiritual concerns of Muslim young adults with cancer from the viewpoints of healthcare providers and the young adults, and 2) identify the most effective ways to support their spiritual needs. The method employed was an online semi-structured interview with 30 participants (15 young people living with cancer and 15 healthcare providers). Data analysis employed reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes relating to spiritual concerns emerged from the analysis: death anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness regarding recovery, and the feedback loop of spiritual struggles and religious coping. Participants suggested developing a short-term online Islamic psycho-spiritual intervention.

Keywords

Islamic spirituality, spiritual distress, young adult living with cancer, Muslim

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