Qualitative study on hope experience in patients with cervical cancer from the perspective of positive psychology

Abstract

Objective To understand the real experience of hope in patients with cervical cancer during the postoperative recovery period, explore how to reconstruct hope from the perspective of positive psychology, and provide a scientific basis for the formulation of nursing and psychological intervention programs for patients with cervical cancer. Methods Totally 7 patients with cervical cancer during the postoperative recovery period who were discharged after treatment in a Class Ⅲ Grade A specialized hospital in Guangzhou between August and December 2018 were selected by purposive sampling. They received in-depth individual interview using phenomenological methods. The interview content was organized according to Colaizzi's seven stage method. Results Three themes were obtained through analysis, namely, understanding of hope, factors hindering hope, and reasons for hope to be reshaped and maintained. Conclusions A good social support system should be established to provide patients with active and effective psychological intervention, and increase their positive psychological capital by improving the level of hope of patients, thereby improving the quality of life of patients and promoting their recovery. Key words: Cervical neoplasms; Hope; Qualitative study; Positive psychology; Psychological capital