Kayo Hirooka1, Hiroki Fukahori2, Kanako Taku3, Sakiko Izawa4, Asao Ogawa5. 1. Mental Health Promotion Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan. hirkanr-tmd@umin.ac.jp. 2. Division of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan. 3. Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA. 4. Nursing Department, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, University Hospital of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. 5. Psycho-Oncology Division, Research Center for Innovative Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The death of a loved one has great impact on family members even when the death was expected. While negative changes are reported, some individuals also report personal growth, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Many studies on PTG have been performed using quantitative methods and suggest that PTG may differ according to the traumatic event and cultural background. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore how Japanese bereaved family members of patients with cancer express their experience of PTG after the patient's death by analyzing open-ended answers provided in a cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Qualitative data were collected through a survey, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The present study was part of a larger cross-sectional survey of bereaved families of patients with cancer. Data analyzed in the current study were obtained from 162 bereaved family members of patients with cancer. RESULTS: We identified 18 sub-themes within five predefined major domains of PTG. Moreover, we also identified two additional themes: changed view of life and death, and awareness of health management. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of PTG of bereaved family members varied considerably. Future research on PTG experiences among groups from diverse cultural backgrounds would be beneficial for understanding the concept and its clinical implications.
BACKGROUND: The death of a loved one has great impact on family members even when the death was expected. While negative changes are reported, some individuals also report personal growth, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Many studies on PTG have been performed using quantitative methods and suggest that PTG may differ according to the traumatic event and cultural background. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore how Japanese bereaved family members of patients with cancer express their experience of PTG after the patient's death by analyzing open-ended answers provided in a cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Qualitative data were collected through a survey, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The present study was part of a larger cross-sectional survey of bereaved families of patients with cancer. Data analyzed in the current study were obtained from 162 bereaved family members of patients with cancer. RESULTS: We identified 18 sub-themes within five predefined major domains of PTG. Moreover, we also identified two additional themes: changed view of life and death, and awareness of health management. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of PTG of bereaved family members varied considerably. Future research on PTG experiences among groups from diverse cultural backgrounds would be beneficial for understanding the concept and its clinical implications.
Authors: Jessica Y Allen; William E Haley; Brent J Small; Ron S Schonwetter; Susan C McMillan Journal: J Palliat Med Date: 2013-05-22 Impact factor: 2.947