Abstract
Abstract:
Breast cancer patients often experience psychological and existential distress due to
the life threatening nature of their illness. This thesis focuses on the existential
component of breast cancer and aims to shed light on how women with breast
cancer come to terms with having a life threatening illness and make meaning of
their experiences.
To accomplish this, a qualitative design with an existential epistemology was utilized.
The data was attained through four semi-structured interviews and deductive
thematic analysis was deployed for data analysis. Deductive thematic analysis was
chosen as the research was guided by Yalom’s existential theory which highlights
four main domains of existential experience (death, freedom, isolation and
meaninglessness).
The findings were presented in a narrative format and provided further insight into
Yalom’s theory. For instance, three time periods were identified as central times
when mortality awareness was heightened. Moreover, women with an internal locus
of control were found to be more optimistic about making life changes (utilising
existential freedom) and experienced less psychological distress. A fifth domain,
transformation was added that explored the participants’ experiences of growth from
existential experiences. The findings further suggested that most of the breast
cancer survivors within this study experienced increased mindfulness, authenticity
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)