The Healing Power of Wisdom: A Breast Cancer Study
Breast Cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer that affects women globally. It is not only physically challenging; it also affects a woman’s mental and emotional health. A breast cancer diagnosis can elicit feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. During this challenging time, a woman’s mental state plays a critical role in her healing process. Studies have shown that nurturing one’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing can improve their physical health outcomes. This is where the healing power of wisdom comes into play.
What is Wisdom, and How Does it Help with Breast Cancer Recovery?
Wisdom is the ability to understand and apply knowledge and experience that relates to life’s fundamental truths and human existence. Wisdom is not the same as intelligence, which is rooted in knowledge and memory. Instead, wisdom is more pragmatic, and it involves learning from lived experiences. It allows an individual to discern the right path and make decisions that align with their values and beliefs.
Wisdom helps women recover from breast cancer in several ways. Firstly, it promotes a sense of calmness, tranquility, and acceptance in the face of uncertainty. Women who have access to and apply wisdom have been found to cope better with the challenges of breast cancer recovery. When one is diagnosed with breast cancer, the future becomes uncertain, and fear takes hold. Women who apply wisdom find ways to let go of this fear and live in the moment, making the best of every day.
Secondly, wisdom helps promote better communication between healthcare professionals and the patient. The process of recovering from breast cancer can be challenging and overwhelming, but with wisdom, women can understand the importance of building a relationship with their healthcare professionals and asking questions when necessary. This makes the recovery process more comfortable and manageable.
Lastly, wisdom enables individuals to focus on what is essential in their lives. This can be family, time spent with loved ones, and activities that bring joy and purpose. It is easy to become preoccupied with the negatives that come with a cancer diagnosis, but wisdom encourages women to reframe their thoughts, finding gratitude and positivity even in challenging times.
Wisdom in Practice: Case Studies
Several studies have explored the connection between wisdom and breast cancer recovery. One such study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) explored the effect of a wisdom-based intervention on the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. The study involved 143 women who had completed their primary treatment for breast cancer. The participants were divided into two groups, with one group receiving eight weekly sessions of a wisdom-based intervention. The other group received standard care. The results showed that women who participated in the wisdom-based intervention reported higher levels of emotional wellbeing, less fatigue, and improved quality of life.
Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Sussex explored the impact of reflective writing on the emotional wellbeing of women following breast cancer treatment. The study involved 118 women who had completed breast cancer treatment. The participants were divided into two groups, with one group writing for 20 minutes per day for four consecutive days, while the other group wrote about a non-emotional topic. The results showed that the group that engaged in reflective writing showed a significant reduction in fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
Conclusion
Breast cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event that requires a holistic approach to treatment. While traditional medical treatment plays a critical role in recovery, nurturing one’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing should not be overlooked. Wisdom has been found to be a powerful tool in breast cancer recovery, promoting emotional wellbeing, communication, and a sense of purpose. Women who apply wisdom during the recovery process have better outcomes, making it an essential aspect of their treatment plan.
References:
1. Davis, L., & Fulwiler, C. (2019). The healing power of wisdom. In Wisdom and healing power: Emerging perspectives on the art and science of psychotherapy (pp. 297-312). Springer.
2. van den Berg, S. W., Gielissen, M. F., Custers, J. A., van der Graaf, W. T., & Ottevanger, P. B. (2012). Reflective writing in cancer patients: a qualitative analysis. Psycho-oncology, 21(3), 294-302.
3. Thomas, K. N., Cottingham, M. E., & Hinds, P. S. (2019). Examining the effects of a Wisdom-Based Intervention on the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors (Doctoral dissertation).
