The Lived Experience of Serenity: Using Parse’s Research Method

Abstract

Parse's research method was used to investigate the meaning of serenity for survivors of a life-threatening illness or traumatic event. Ten survivors of cancer told their stories of the meaning of serenity as they had lived it in their lives. Descriptions were aided by photographs chosen by each participant to represent the meaning of serenity for them. The structure of serenity was generated through the extraction-synthesis process. Four main concepts--steering-yielding with the flow, savoring remembered visions of engaging surroundings, abiding with aloneness-togetherness, and attesting to a loving presence--emerged and led to a theoretical structure of serenity from the human becoming perspective. Findings confirm serenity as a multidimensional process.

Spirituality and Coping at the End of Life

“…Conceptual descriptions of serenity involve a conscious decision to let go of what is beyond one`s control and trust that by seeking solitude with engaging surroundings, a connection to a loving presence will result. 41 This study has contributed to the knowledge of the relationships among spirituality, health, and coping at the EOL. If we can predict that spirituality is a large part of the recipe in creating a peaceful death, all healthcare providers who work with this population must find a way within their own discipline to address the spiritual needs of the dying to promote a peaceful death experience.…”

Fostering Serenity in Nursing

“…Kruse (1999) defined serenity as a phenomenon in which one experiences a sense of peace, contentment, calmness, and quietude, as well as the positive emotion of low intensity despite negative life circumstances. Serenity is an integrative mindful construct that is spiritual and associated with positive relationships with the universe, others, and one's own self 1.…”

“…Create a mini-synthesis that unites together all phases of the concept development process. (Kruse, 1999). Kruse applied Parse's (1981) research method as a way to investigate the meaning of serenity as lived-a transcendence of formal religious meaning, and not necessarily being happy with undesirable events, but experiencing positivity and contentment despite them.…”

“…In recent times, during concept analysis of the "I-Thou" phenomenon, Kruse (1999) used nursing theorist's Rosemary Rizzo Parse's (1981) sentinel methodology to investigate the concept of lived serenity. The participants of this study were all cancer survivors who were attending a cancer support group.…”

“…All 10 persons willingly agreed to participate in the study. Kruse (1999), using Parse's methodology, scheduled discussions with each participant and asked him or her to bring a photograph to the meeting to represent what serenity meant. A dialogical engagement, which differs from an interview as it is more spontaneous and informal, was used throughout the discussion and remained focused on the participant's discussion.…”