Golden orator to tongue cancer survivor: A case study tracing identity transformation through religious coping
Cancer survivorship; Identity transformation; Indian priest; Religious coping
The "survivorship" identity corresponds to a collective identity for individuals that have experienced cancer. While medical labels, culture and personal beliefs influence this label, this case report illuminates the journey of integrating the preillness identity to a postrecovery identity through the long-Term survivorship experience of T.J.J, a nonagenarian cancer survivor and Indian priest belonging to the Syrian Marthomite Christian denomination, focusing on how religious coping mechanisms facilitated identity reintegration. Diagnosed with tongue cancer at age 64 years, T.J.J.Transitioned from a renowned orator to a religious writer, reshaping his identity through eudemonic principles of purpose, self-Actualization, and growth. The influence of religious meaning-making, prayer, and communal support is highlighted, which helped cognitively reframe his experience of loss into a transformative experience that fostered psychological security. Implications for public health policies emphasize incorporating religious coping strategies in culturally relevant survivorship programs for better psychosocial outcomes. 2025 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.
Jacob, Layah Liz; Sathiyaseelan, Anuradha
Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice;Volume;7;Issue;1;Article No.;e167;
https://doi.org/10.1097/OR9.0000000000000167 https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105002217172?origin=resultslist
Jacob L.L., Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, India; Sathiyaseelan A., Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, India