Journal
QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Volume 13, Issue 2, Pages 227-246Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/1049732302239600
Keywords
thriving; uncertainty; survivorship; psycho-oncology; long-term survivors; childhood cancer; psychosocial
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Uncertainty is a central theme in the cancer survivorship and coping literature, Existing research on cancer-related uncertainty has primarily documented the adverse effects of existential uncertainty on survivors' well-being and located uncertainty within the stress and coping paradigm. Using in-depth qualitative interviews, the author explores the paradoxical meanings and impact of uncertainty in the lives of long-term survivors of childhood cancer. The findings suggest that although uncertainty can be a source of distress, it can also be a catalyst for growth, a deepened appreciation for life, greater awareness of life purpose, development of confidence and resilience, and optimism. The results suggest that uncertainty is a dialectic phenomenon located within larger contexts of both stress and coping, and psychospiritual growth.
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