Rumination, existential anxiety and professional quality of life among palliative care professionals in India
- Title
- Rumination, existential anxiety and professional quality of life among palliative care professionals in India
- Creator
- Appachu, Hema; Malik, Anisha; Mathur, Ayesha; Sharma, Gauri; Praveen, Irin Mariya; Khanna, Rishika; Guha Majumdar, Ilika
- Description
- Objective: Palliative care enhances the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, but frequent exposure to death and suffering poses emotional challenges for professionals. This study examines ruminations role in the relationship between existential anxiety (EA) and professional quality of life (ProQOL) among palliative care professionals in India. Methods: A mixed-method research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 500 palliative care professionals using the Event-Related Rumination Inventory, EA Questionnaire and ProQOL scale. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 professionals with high rumination scores. Correlation and regression analyses were used for quantitative data, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Results: Persistent rumination heightened mortality awareness, exacerbated EA and negatively impacted ProQOL. Rumination partially mediated the relationship between EA and ProQOL. Four key themes emerged: (1) brooding rumination, (2) reflective rumination, (3) impact of rumination on ProQOL and (4) impact of rumination on EA. Individual differences in ruminations intensity and duration were notable. Conclusions: Findings highlight cultural and contextual challenges faced by Indian palliative care professionals, underscoring the need for targeted mental health interventions. This study supports Sustainable Development Goals 3, 8 and 4 by advocating for healthcare worker well-being, job satisfaction and improved mental health training. Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.
- Source
- BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care;Volume;16;Issue;3;pp.703-710
- Date
- 01-01-2026
- Publisher
- BMJ Publishing Group
- Subject
- Hospice care; Palliative Care; Quality of life
- Coverage
- Appachu H., Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Malik A., Christ University, Delhi NCR, India; Mathur A., Christ University, Delhi NCR, India; Sharma G., Christ University, Delhi NCR, India; Praveen I.M., Christ University, Delhi NCR, India; Khanna R., Christ University, Delhi NCR, India; Guha Majumdar I., Christ University, Bengaluru, India
- Rights
- Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
- Relation
- ISSN: 2045435X;
- Format
- online
- Language
- English
- Type
- Article
Collection
Citation
Appachu, Hema; Malik, Anisha; Mathur, Ayesha; Sharma, Gauri; Praveen, Irin Mariya; Khanna, Rishika; Guha Majumdar, Ilika, “Rumination, existential anxiety and professional quality of life among palliative care professionals in India,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 19, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/23000.