The Relationship Between Spirituality and the Developing Brain: A Framework for Pediatric Oncology

AbstractDevelopment, whether motor, language, social, or spiritual, is the functional expression of complex brain processes throughout one ’s life span, the foundations of which are laid in childhood. The effects of cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical procedures on early brain development have been measured using neuroimaging and developmental assessment tools. We propose that spiritual development may be substantially affe cted in children with oncological diseases that impact underlying brain processes. By drawing connections between science, spirituality, and medicine, we can better address the spiritual needs of children as they cope with oncological diseases, by mitigating emotional, cognitive, and physical sympto ms and improving outcomes.
Source: Journal of Religion and Health - Category: Medical Ethics Source Type: research