Older people with incurable cancer: Existential meaning-making from a life-span perspective

Haug, Sigrid Helene Kjørven; Danbolt, Lars Johan; Kvigne, Kari; DeMarinis, Valerie

doi:10.1017/s1478951515000644

Cited by 19 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…The experience of meaning in life has various definitions, many of which include the following three aspects: coherence, significance, and purpose (Martela & Steger, 2016;Park, 2010;Schnell, 2009). Generally, the experience of meaning in life changes during one's lifespan (Haug et al, 2016;Reker et al, 1987). Researchers have found that aging promotes the experience of meaning in life (e.g., Reker & Chamberlain, 2000;Schnell, 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Search for Meaning in Life Through Continuing and/or Transforming the Bond to a Deceased Spouse in Late Life

2021

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Bereavement is an ongoing process of negotiation and meaning-making in which widows and widowers make sense of the changed nature of their relationship with their deceased spouse. We analyzed the experiences of meaning in life among older widows and widowers (aged 65+) using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA; see Smith et al. in Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Theory, method and research, Sage, 2009), with the following question: How do widows and widowers search for meaning through continuing and/or transforming their bond to their deceased spouse? The results demonstrate that some of the widowed persons sought meaning through rituals or various means of after-death communication with their deceased spouses. Other participants transformed the bond, for example, through clearing out their deceased spouse’s belongings or a process of reconciliation. Many continued and transformed the bond simultaneously, which shows that negotiation of the relationship after the death of a spouse is an ongoing process in which both continuity and change are present. The experience of a violation of meaning in life affected the participants’ capacity to continue their bond with their deceased spouse.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Search for Meaning in Life Through Continuing and/or Transforming the Bond to a Deceased Spouse in Late Life

2021

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“…Traumatic events shatter one’s community and stable surroundings in which the individual’s meaning is embedded, which leads to a sense of meaninglessness, hopelessness, impotence, uncertainty, and lack of control in life. As mentioned by many existential psychologists and scholars, the threat evokes an existential exploration of what the most important things are in a person’s life and what he or she wants to live for [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Loss of homeland: a qualitative study of the changes in perception of relocated Sichuan earthquake survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder

2020

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Background: This research aims to explore the life experiences of relocated earthquake survivors with PTSD and develop a conceptual framework for understanding their life experiences. Method: Interviews were conducted with twenty-three participants. The participant selection, data collection and analysis were based on grounded theory methodology. A theoretical model called "loss of homeland" was developed. Results: Loss of homeland was the most important condition that influenced the relocated participants' selfidentity, social connections, and meaning system. These aspects were categorized into existential changes, lost connections, and changes in identity. Post-disaster relocation threatens individuals' sense of meaning, integrity of self, and sense of belonging, affects every aspect of everyday life and shatters their inner and outer harmony. Conclusions: Further research guided by this theoretical model is needed to inform post-disaster mental health services and relocation policy. Mental health professionals and policy makers can make more informed decisions in terms of disaster relocation policy and manage post-disaster psychological disturbances by focusing on both places and people.

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“…Observing how others confronted occupational performance challenges at the end of life provided practical alternate ways that could be tried. The process of attempted participation also afforded hope and quality of life and informed what was possible or not possible (Bates et al, 2018; Carter et al, 2004; Dunham et al, 2017; Ek & Ternestedt, 2008; Gulde et al, 2011; Jacques & Hasselkus, 2004; Johansson et al, 2006; Johnston et al, 2012; Kasven Gonzalez et al, 2010; Kjørven Haug et al, 2015, 2016; la Cour et al, 2007; la Cour & Hansen, 2012; Loughran et al, 2019; Malcolm et al, 2016; Mikkelsen et al, 2015; Olsson et al, 2010; Saarnio et al, 2016; Svidén et al, 2010; Turner et al, 2016; von Post & Wagman, 2019).…”

Section: Thematic Analysis Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contemporary occupational priorities at the end of life mapped against Model of Human Occupation constructs: A scoping review

Morgan

Taylor

Ivy

et al. 2022

Aus Occup Therapy J

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Introduction People with end‐of‐life care needs are seen in an increasingly diverse range of health and community settings. Opportunity for continued occupational participation is highly valued by people at the end of life. This scoping review sought to identify the priorities and preferences for participation at the end of life and to map findings using the model of human occupation. Methods A search strategy informed by the research question was developed in collaboration with a research librarian. Data sources used were Ovid Medline(R), CINAHL, Ovid Emcare, Scopus, Web of Science and PsychInfo. Studies that focused on clinician perspectives, clinical care, grief and loss, did not clearly identify end‐stage diseases, <18 years and written in languages other than English were excluded. Findings Forty‐four studies were included with a total of 1,070 study participants. Inductively developed themes were mapped against the model of human occupation constructs of volition (personal causation, values, interests), habituation (habits of occupational performance and routine), performance capacity and the lived body within the physical, social and occupational environment. The majority of findings sat within the construct of volition, particularly around sense of personal capacity, self‐efficacy and values. At the end of life, people prioritise ongoing engagement in valued occupations even if participation is effortful. As disease progresses, opportunity to exert influence and control over this participation and engagement increases in importance. Personal causation plays an important role in the experience of occupational participation at this time. Conclusion This review provides important insights into the occupational priorities of people at the end of life and the importance of supporting agency and volition at this time. The model of human occupation and its client‐centred focus offer a framework for a more robust examination of ways to enhance volitional capacity and enable occupational participation for people at the end of life.

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Older people with incurable cancer: Existential meaning-making from a life-span perspective

Cited by 19 publications

References 34 publications

The Search for Meaning in Life Through Continuing and/or Transforming the Bond to a Deceased Spouse in Late Life

The Search for Meaning in Life Through Continuing and/or Transforming the Bond to a Deceased Spouse in Late Life

Loss of homeland: a qualitative study of the changes in perception of relocated Sichuan earthquake survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder

Contemporary occupational priorities at the end of life mapped against Model of Human Occupation constructs: A scoping review

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