title: Exploring Existential Coping Resources: The Perspective of Koreans with Cancer.
abstract: The present study aimed to explore the use of meaning-making coping (existential, spiritual, and religious coping) among cancer patients in Korea and to investigate the impact of culture on their choice of coping methods. Thirty-three participants with various kinds of cancer were interviewed. Four different kinds of coping resources emerged from analyses of the interview transcripts: (1) belief in the healing power of nature; (2) mind-body connection; (3) relying on transcendent power; and (4) finding oneself in relationships with others. The findings of this study suggest the importance of investigating cultural context when exploring the use of the meaning-making coping strategies in different countries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden.
authors.forename: Fereshteh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ahmadi
authors.affiliation: Retirement Research Center at Samsung Life Insurance, 7th Flr., 55 Sejong-Daero, Jung-Gu, Seoul, 100-716, South Korea. jisungp@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Jisung
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Welfare, Soongsil University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung Mee
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden.
authors.forename: Nader
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ahmadi
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005086:Existentialism / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Coping resources; Existential coping; Koreans with cancer; Meaning-making coping