Meaning-Making Coping Among Cancer Patients in Sweden and South Korea: A Comparative Perspective.
The present study compared meaning-making coping among cancer patients in Sweden and South Korea, with a focus on the sociocultural context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 51 Swedes and 33 Koreans. The results showed significant differences between the two countries as well as similarities in existential, spiritual, and religious coping. For example, Swedes primarily used meaning-making coping as a means of meditation or relaxation, whereas Koreans relied on coping with prayer and using healthy foods as a means to survive. The present study confirms the significance of investigating cultural context when we explore the use of meaning-making coping among people who have experienced cancer.
Department of Social Work and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden.
Fereshteh
F
Ahmadi
Retirement Research Center at Samsung Life Insurance, 25th Flr., Samsung Electronics Bldg., 11 Seocho-daero 74-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06620, Korea. jisungp@hotmail.com.
Jisung
J
Park
Department of Social Welfare, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea.
Kyung Mee
KM
Kim
Department of Social Work and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden.
Nader
N
Ahmadi
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D056910:Republic of Korea; D029181:Spirituality; D013548:Sweden
Cancer; Meaning-making coping; Religion; Sociocultural perspective; Spirituality