Meg Wise1, Lucille Marchand. 1. Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, and Sonderegger Research Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705-2222, USA. mewise@wisc.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the strategies and psychosocial conditions that influence how resilient people live in the face of advanced cancer. METHODS: Grounded theory interviews and a survey of 10 resilient people with advanced cancer were collected and analyzed. FINDINGS: Personal assets - including positive relationships, purpose in life, faith, and mastery--contributed to living fully in mortal time. Strategies included embracing paradox, reframing time, deepening connections, and aligning actions with priorities. Open-ended interviews yielded rich illness and life stories; many participants requested a copy of the transcript. CONCLUSION: Resilient people use a range of strategies to thrive in the face of advanced cancer.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the strategies and psychosocial conditions that influence how resilient people live in the face of advanced cancer. METHODS: Grounded theory interviews and a survey of 10 resilient people with advanced cancer were collected and analyzed. FINDINGS: Personal assets - including positive relationships, purpose in life, faith, and mastery--contributed to living fully in mortal time. Strategies included embracing paradox, reframing time, deepening connections, and aligning actions with priorities. Open-ended interviews yielded rich illness and life stories; many participants requested a copy of the transcript. CONCLUSION: Resilient people use a range of strategies to thrive in the face of advanced cancer.