Asian Oncol Nurs.  2015 Jun;15(2):75-88. 10.5388/aon.2015.15.2.75.

An Ethnographic Research on Psychological Experiences of Mothers Caring for their Children with Recurent Cancer

• Kim SH

• KMID: 2269423
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2015.15.2.75

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to explore and have a deeper understanding of psychological experiences of mothers caring for their children with recurrent cancer.
METHODS
This paper applied an ethnographic research method. Using maximum variation sampling, the participants consisted of 7 mothers who were caring for their children with recurrent cancer. Data were collected through in-depth informal interviews, participant observation and telephone interviews, and analyzed following Spradley's methodology.
RESULTS
The mothers' psychological experiences were organized into one cultural theme, three categories and nine properties. The cultural theme was 'inner growth through adversity'. The three categories were 'daily life dancing on a tightrope', 'seizing hold of the string of hope', and 'being matured in life through the child's pain'.
CONCLUSION
Supportive and effective nursing intervention must be provided on the basis of a deeper understanding of mothers' experiences caring for their children with recurrent cancer, so that it could strengthen their inner growth through adversity, and ultimately improve the mothers' quality of life.

Keyword

Children; Mothers; Cancer; Recurrence; Qualitative Research

MeSH Terms

Child*
Dancing
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Mothers*
Nursing
Qualitative Research
Quality of Life
Recurrence