ターミナル期にあるがん患者の自己の支えを振り返る体験

Experiences of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: Reflecting on Their Inner Strengths

要旨

　本研究の目的は，ターミナル期にあるがん患者の自己の支えを振り返る体験とその意味を明らかにすることである．緩和ケア病棟に入院中のがん患者5名を対象に，現象学的アプローチを参考とし，非構成的面接，半構成的面接を行い，Colliazi.Pの方法を参考に分析を行った．自己の支えを振り返る体験の意味をまとめた結果，以下が見いだされた．【他者とのつながりの中で，自分らしさを保つ】は，重要な存在である他者との関係の振り返りを通して得られるものであり，今の自己を成り立たせる基盤や安心できる存在の確認を意味していた．【自己を肯定的に受け止める】とは，つらい状況に向き合い，その中でどう在るかと考えていくことを意味していた．【自分らしさを高めていく】とは，これまで行ってきた仕事や好きなことの振り返りを通して，その意味や価値を見いだすことであった．これは，自分らしさの感覚を高め，より自分らしく在ることを意味していた．研究協力者は，自己の支えの振り返りを通して，困難な状況の中でもより自分らしく在ることを求め，生きようとしていることがうかがえた．

Abstract

　The purpose of this study was to elucidate and describe the experiences of terminally ill cancer patients in reflecting on their inner strengths. A phenomenological approach was used in designing this qualitative study. The participants in this study were five patients hospitalized in the palliative care unit. Data was collated from non-structured and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed in accordance with the Colaizzi method of analysis.

　Based on interpretation results, meanings derived from participants' reflections on their inner strengths were classified as follows. "Because of connection with others, they maintain themselves". For example, they looked back upon their relationship with family and old friends. This led to awareness or reconfirmation of the importance of relationships. It also means confirming ways of making participants feel comfortable. "To accept and be themselves in a positive way" means when participants were in painful situations, they tried to face them head on and examine how they lived their life without denying themselves. Moreover, their optimistic affirmation helped them confirm their sense of self by looking back upon their past. "To enhance their way of life" means participants looked back upon their hobbies and career, finding the intrinsic meaning to enhance their way of life. In conclusion, they recognized and reconfirmed the meaning of their relationships by reminding themselves of past experiences through their inner strength. As a result, participants were able to make constructive adaptations despite the painful situation.