The role of religious and spiritual beliefs in coping with malignant melanoma: An Israeli sample

This preliminary study examined the possible relationship between a newly d eveloped instrument, the Spiritual Beliefs Inventory (SBI-54), and the copi ng style of a group of cancer patients in Israel. The sample consisted of 1 00 malignant melanoma patients diagnosed at stages I and II, A and B. Patie nts were individually interviewed at home and completed seven self-reports. The present report focuses on the relationship of the SBI-54 with other me asures of coping, psychological distress and social support. Findings showe d that there was a significantly positive correlation between the SBI-54 an d the active-cognitive coping style (r = 0.48, p < 0.01). Copyright (C) 199 9 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.