A Grounded Theory Study of Posttraumatic Growth and Wisdom in a Sample of Oncology Nurses

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Vishnevsky, T. (2013). A Grounded Theory Study of Posttraumatic Growth and Wisdom in a Sample of Oncology Nurses. Unc Charlotte Electronic Theses And Dissertations.
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Author

Vishnevsky, Tanya

Title

A Grounded Theory Study of Posttraumatic Growth and Wisdom in a Sample of Oncology Nurses

Physical Description

1 online resource (137 pages) : PDF

Date

2013

Degree Granting Institution

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

This study utilized a grounded theory approach to examine the degree to which oncology nurses report posttraumatic growth (PTG) and wisdom as a result of caring for patients. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 30 oncology nurses; interviews were designed to elicit information regarding how nurses had positively changed as a result of their work experience. Findings were grouped into four major themes that coincided with the primary aims of the study: Loss and Challenges to Nurses' Assumptive Worlds, Posttraumatic Growth, Wisdom, and the Relationship Between PTG and Wisdom. Overall, nurses unanimously cited examples of PTG and wisdom that resulted from their work. Subthemes of Posttraumatic Growth were largely consistent with the five domains of PTG and included Appreciation of Life, New Perspective, Relating to Others, Spiritual/Religious Growth, and Personal Strength. Subthemes of wisdom were more varied, reflecting the diversity of this construct in the context of oncology nursing. A number of other related themes emerged from the data, including Positive Consequences and Professional Knowledge/Expertise. Findings suggest that the relationship between PTG and wisdom was circuitous and constantly evolving, although there was some evidence for a positive association between these two constructs. The theme of Benevolence also appeared to be closely related to PTG and wisdom. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also presented.

Genre

doctoral dissertations

Subjects--Topics

Psychology
Medical sciences
Oncology

Degree

Ph.D.

Keywords

Grounded Theory
Nurses
Posttraumatic Growth
PTG
Wisdom

Subject Area

Health Psychology

Advisor(s)

Kilmer, Ryan
Cann, Arnie

Committee Members

Danhauer, Suzanne
Quinlan, Margaret

Degree Note

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2013.

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Rights Holder Information

Copyright is held by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Identifier

Vishnevsky_uncc_0694D_10409

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:307