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Volume 24, Issue 147 (5-2025)
Journal of Psychological Science 2025, 24(147): 363-381 |
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Ezzati N, Asadi E, Pouresmaeil Amini A, Ramezani M. (2025). Study of Cancer Patients’ Perspectives on Family Support During the Illness Journey. Journal of Psychological Science. 24(147), 363-381. doi:10.61186/jps.24.147.363
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2942-en.html
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-2942-en.html
Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran. , a_poresmaeilamini@atu.ac.ir
Abstract: (20 Views)
Background: Cancer is a chronic disease that has profound and widespread effects on patients' lives, and family support plays a key role in improving their quality of life. Emotional and practical family support can facilitate the process of adapting to the disease, but patients' experiences of this support vary and are shaped by culture and family relationships. However, little research has thoroughly examined the experiences of cancer patients and the role of family within the Iranian cultural context, which represents a significant gap in the scientific literature.
Aims: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of patients with cancer regarding the role of their families throughout the course of the illness.
Methods: This qualitative research employed a descriptive phenomenological approach. The study population included patients with cancer who were referred to Adl Specialized Hospital in Tehran during the second half of 2024. Purposeful and convenient sampling continued until data saturation was achieved. A total of 15 patients (9 men and 6 women), aged 30 to 60, who had been diagnosed at least three months prior, were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis method.
Results: Research results indicated seven main themes, including "Family Awareness and Education", "Psychological and Emotional Support for the Patient", "Family's Practical Support in Care and Treatment", "Reducing the Psychological Pressure on Caregivers", "Increasing Family Resilience and Adaptation", "Structural Changes in the Family", and "Family Benefitting from Social and Group Support".
Conclusion: The findings revealed that family support plays a crucial role in strengthening resilience, reducing psychological stress, and improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Family education, shared caregiving responsibilities, and access to supportive services are essential social strategies that must be integrated into health policy planning to improve patient outcomes and promote family well-being.
Aims: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of patients with cancer regarding the role of their families throughout the course of the illness.
Methods: This qualitative research employed a descriptive phenomenological approach. The study population included patients with cancer who were referred to Adl Specialized Hospital in Tehran during the second half of 2024. Purposeful and convenient sampling continued until data saturation was achieved. A total of 15 patients (9 men and 6 women), aged 30 to 60, who had been diagnosed at least three months prior, were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis method.
Results: Research results indicated seven main themes, including "Family Awareness and Education", "Psychological and Emotional Support for the Patient", "Family's Practical Support in Care and Treatment", "Reducing the Psychological Pressure on Caregivers", "Increasing Family Resilience and Adaptation", "Structural Changes in the Family", and "Family Benefitting from Social and Group Support".
Conclusion: The findings revealed that family support plays a crucial role in strengthening resilience, reducing psychological stress, and improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Family education, shared caregiving responsibilities, and access to supportive services are essential social strategies that must be integrated into health policy planning to improve patient outcomes and promote family well-being.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/03/25 | Accepted: 2025/05/18 | Published: 2025/05/22
Received: 2025/03/25 | Accepted: 2025/05/18 | Published: 2025/05/22
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