scholarly journals Fostering Growth in the Survivorship Experience: Investigating Breast Cancer Survivors’ Lived Experiences Scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro from a Posttraumatic Growth Perspective

Author(s):  
Shaunna Burke ◽  
Catherine Sabiston

The aim of this study was to use an ethnographic case study approach to explore breast cancer survivors’ experiences scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro from a posttraumatic growth perspective. Three breast cancer survivors who participated in interviews and observations during a nine-day climb on the mountain were included in this study. Findings are presented first as three individual case studies and then offered as a cross-case analysis to emphasize themes that illustrated the women’s shared experiences of growing from adversity. Participation in the climb on Mt. Kilimanjaro provided an opportunity for the women to (a) nurture priorities, (b) foster self-belief, and (c) cultivate connections. Future research should conduct investigations into the role of physical activity as a facilitator of the posttraumatic growth process.

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Sadler-Gerhardt ◽  
Cynthia Reynolds ◽  
Paula Britton ◽  
Sharon Kruse

Breast cancer research has addressed prevention, early treatment, and quality of life, but research from the perspective of survivors has been limited. This is a qualitative investigation of the experience of eight women breast cancer survivors, ranging in age from 28 to 80 at diagnosis, six of whom were Caucasian and two African American. The research consisted of a phenomenological and case study examination of change and meaning-making during their experience. The findings support a posttraumatic growth model of change as part of survivorship for the participants, as well as the presence of negative changes and a state of new normal in their lives. Recommendations are made for mental health counseling and for future research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1971-1978 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Casellas-Grau ◽  
E.C. Sumalla ◽  
M. Lleras ◽  
J. Vives ◽  
A. Sirgo ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 2753-2760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia C. Y. Wong ◽  
Bradley M. Pan-Weisz ◽  
Tonya M. Pan-Weisz ◽  
Nelson C. Y. Yeung ◽  
Winnie W. S. Mak ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110319
Author(s):  
Wonshik Chee ◽  
Eun-Ok Im

The purpose of the study was to explore the associations of sub-ethnicity to the survivorship experience of Asian American breast cancer survivors and identify the multiple factors that influenced their survivorship experience. This was a secondary analysis of the data among 94 Asian American breast cancer survivors from a larger ongoing study. Instruments included: questions on background characteristics, the perceived isolation scale, the Personal Resource Questionnaire, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer. Data were analyzed using hierarchical logistic and multiple regression analyses. After controlling for other factors, being a Japanese American (ref. = being a Chinese American) was significantly associated with pain scores (odds ratio [OR] = −0.32, p < .01), symptom distress scores ( β = −0.27, p < .01), and the quality of life scores ( β = 0.22, p = .03). Sub-ethnic variations in cultural attitudes, values, and beliefs need to be considered in future research/practice with Asian American breast cancer survivors.


Author(s):  
Tamara Phelan

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze how selected senior instructors in physical therapist educational programs define and seek to impart information on professional behavior. Methods: A qualitative case study approach was used to gather data from eight instructors teaching in four physical therapist educational programs in a selected region. Each interview was analyzed as an individual case study, followed by a cross case analysis to identify common themes. Results: Interpretational analysis using a process of constant comparison revealed nine common themes: 1) Instructors found it difficult to broadly define professional behavior. 2) Instructors expect students to be on time. 3) Instructors expect students to speak and act with courtesy and respect. 4) Instructors expect students to communicate appropriately. 5) Instructors expect students to dress appropriately. 6) Instructors expect students to participate in class. 7) Instructors consciously model professional behavior as a way to communicate their expectations. 8) Instructors give instructions and provide students with feedback about professional behavior. 9) Instructors do not attach a specific grade to professional behavior. Conclusions: Although instructors indicated a lack of confidence in consistency regarding professional behavior expectations, the themes that emerged in this study fit within existing descriptions of professional behavior for clinical physical therapists. Instructor perceptions of strategies for conveying information about professional behavior to students were consistent with existing literature on modeling and explicit teaching. .


2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 569-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippa Kolokotroni ◽  
Fotios Anagnostopoulos ◽  
Annivas Tsikkinis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shao-Hua Chen ◽  
Jun-E Liu ◽  
Dong-Mei Guo ◽  
Ya-Li Su ◽  
Yan-Fei Liu

Abstract Purpose Breast cancer affects survivors and their first-degree relatives. They face breast cancer together as a unit. This study aimed to explore the mutual support of breast cancer survivors and their first-degree relatives in their joint coping with breast cancer. Methods A qualitative case study with purposeful sampling was conducted. Ten breast cancer survivors and 21 of their first-degree relatives were recruited for in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis using MAXQDA software. Results Three themes were extracted under the overarching theme “a shared journey to a better future”: 1. “Mutual support is needed as we are in the same boat,” suggesting mutual support in responding to breast cancer; 2. “We experience stormy and windy weather during our journey,” emphasizing challenges encountered in providing support; and 3. “Sunny and breezy days are a gift for both of us,” indicating they perceived reciprocity during the process of mutual support. Conclusions Mutual support was an important feature of breast cancer survivors and first-degree relatives coping with breast cancer and beneficial to both groups. However, significant challenges in supporting each other were reported, indicating the necessity of external support in coping with breast cancer. Health professionals should not ignore first-degree relatives of breast cancer survivors, and need to support both of these groups.


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