The lived experience of serenity: using Parse's research method

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Qualitative Research
• Human Lived Experience

Background:

• Understanding the meaning of serenity is crucial for supporting survivors of life-threatening illnesses and traumatic events.
• Previous research has not fully explored the multidimensional nature of serenity from the survivor's perspective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the meaning of serenity for survivors of life-threatening illness or traumatic events.
• To develop a theoretical structure of serenity based on the human becoming perspective.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Parse's research methodology, a qualitative approach.
• Conducted in-depth interviews with ten cancer survivors, exploring their lived experiences of serenity.
• Incorporated participant-selected photographs to enrich narrative descriptions.

Main Results:

• Identified four core concepts contributing to the structure of serenity: steering-yielding with the flow, savoring remembered visions, abiding with aloneness-togetherness, and attesting to a loving presence.
• Developed a theoretical structure of serenity from the human becoming perspective.
• Confirmed serenity as a multidimensional process.

Conclusions:

• Serenity is a complex, multidimensional process experienced uniquely by survivors.
• The findings offer a deeper understanding of how individuals find peace amidst adversity.
• This research provides a framework for healthcare professionals to better support survivor well-being.