title: Search for meaning in long-term cancer survivors.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore search for meaning in long-term survivors of malignant melanoma and the relationship of this meaning to self-blame and well-being. The sample consisted of 31 long-term melanoma survivors who had been free of disease for 5 years or longer. Measures included the Search for Meaning scale, a single item on self-blame and the Index of Well-Being. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and t-tests. Findings revealed that 52% (n = 16) of the sample did search for meaning which resulted in an identifiable cause for their cancer and a quiet reassessment of life. Subjects indicating self-responsibility for their cancer expressed a greater meaning search than the group who did not blame self (P < 0.01). Well-being scores were not significantly related to this search for meaning. Results suggest that for some survivors the cancer experience elicits a search for meaning which is significantly associated with self-blame. This study extends developing nursing theory on survivorship by providing insight into the meaning of the cancer experience in long-term survivors.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131-1061, USA.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Dirksen
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003469:Culture; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011581:Psychological Tests; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*