Attempting to Find Meaning in Illness to Achieve Emotional Coherence

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the emotional and interactional perspectives of the meaning of illness in patients with colorectal cancer. Fifty-two respondents were included in the study. Data were obtained through an open-ended question at the time of diagnosis as well as 3 and 12 months after diagnosis. The constant comparative method of data analysis, consisting of an interpretation of the data, was used. The overall ascribed meaning was expressed in the main theme, attempting to find meaning in illness to achieve emotional coherence. The main theme consisted of 2 dimensions: unified and dichotomized embodiment. The unified embodiment dimension subthemes include gratefulness, confidence in oneself and others, and looking forward to creating a new future. The dichotomized embodiment dimension subthemes include altered self-value, loss of temporality and infringement of body integrity. The characteristics of unified embodiment were hope and faith, a strong self-value, and an anticipated future. For dichotomized embodiment, the characteristics were the struggle, loss of temporality, nonmovement, and lack of hope and faith. The study provided a theoretical basis that is relevant for both nursing practice and nursing education.