ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This mixed-methods study was conducted to compare and analyze the perceptions of children and their parents regarding the meaning of the children's life. METHODS: First, children's and parents' perceptions of the meaning of life were analyzed using a quantitative approach, and the cognitive differences between children and parents were then confirmed through a qualitative approach. We integrated the collected data comprehensively. RESULTS: Ten significant differences (awareness of strong points, recognizing oneself as a precious being, relationships with friends, happy memories, liking people, experiencing difficulty, dreams and goals, experiencing love, appreciating life, helping people who are poorer than me) were identified between children and parents. The results of the content analysis of the qualitative data were divided into two variables: children's experiences of the meaning of life (78 significant statements, 32 sub-themes, and 10 themes) and parents' perceptions of the meaning of life of their children (89 significant statements, 36 sub-themes, and 10 themes). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we propose developing meaning-centered intervention programs for children and parents and applying them for educational purposes. By doing so, we expect that meaning-centered education for elementary school students will become more active.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: For patients with advanced or terminal cancer undergoing hospice or palliative care, spiritual care based on meaning-centered intervention (MCI) has become an essential form of support. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize MCI systematically and the effectiveness of hospice and palliative care for patients with advanced or terminal cancer. METHODS: MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Library CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, and several Korean electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2017. The RevMan 5.3 program of the Cochrane Library was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A meta-analysis was conducted of 10 controlled trials (6 randomized and 4 nonrandomized) featuring 623 patients with cancer. Meaning-centered interventions were compared with usual care control groups or other psychosocial interventions. The weighted average effect sizes across studies were -0.96 (P < .001, I = 7%) for meaning in life, -0.37 (P = .002, I = 0%) for spiritual well-being, -0.48 (P < .001, I = 0%) for quality of life, -0.28 (P = .02, I = 0%) for anxiety, and -0.31 (P = .02, I = 17%) for physical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Spiritual care based on MCI may help to improve the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being of patients with advanced or terminal cancer. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Meaning-centered interventions could be a valuable way to enhance quality of life at the end stage for patients with advanced or terminal cancer.
