A Paradigm Analysis Related to Spiritual Experiences Focused on Christian of Patients with Terminal Cancer

Lee, Hiun Ju

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to develop a substantive theory on the process of the spiritual experience in Christian terminal cancer patients in the context of Korean society and culture. The question for the study was 'What is the spiritual process in Christian terminal cancer patients?'. METHOD: The research method used was the Grounded Theory Method developed by Strauss and Corbin (1998). Participants for this study in total were 9 Christian terminal cancer patients. Data was collected using in-depth interviews during April 2003 to March. 2004. Data collection and analysis were carried out at the same time. RESULT: From the analysis 58 concepts and 20 categories emerged. The categories were presented into a paradigm, which consisted of condition-actions/ interactions-consequences. The theoretical scheme was described by organizing categories. In total, 4 stages were developed from the condition-actions/ interactions-consequences. Throughout these stages, the 'overcoming process of unbalanced interconnectedness' was the core category discovered. CONCLUSION: This study provides a framework for the development of individualized care interventions in the 'overcoming process of unbalanced interconnectedness' for Christian terminal cancer patients.