How is well-being constructed and reflected upon in cancer survivors?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the construction and subjective benefits of well-being in breast cancer survivors: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.
IRAS ID
219669
Contact name
Gemma Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 29 days
Research summary
Despite an increase in individuals living long-term beyond a cancer diagnosis, survivorship research is still in its infancy. This is most apparent for the early post-treatment phase, when individuals are attempting to ‘re-enter’ their everyday lives. The proposed research hopes to contribute to this gap in the literature, by focusing on the well-being of breast cancer patients who have just completed treatment. Well-being is an important construct to investigate in relation to cancer, as diagnosed individuals can experience a range of psychological effects. It is typically assumed that patients should be thinking positively about their illness, but it is unknown if this emphasis on maintaining high levels of well-being is actually beneficial from a survivor perspective. The factors that help develop and influence well-being are also in need of clarification. The proposed study therefore hopes to illuminate these aspects of well-being, using qualitative techniques. This will be done by conducting individual interviews with breast cancer survivors, which marks a move away from the quantitative methods that have predominantly been utilised in this research area. Results will help inform guidance to promote adaptive coping in cancer survivorship.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0176
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion