Gratitude Experience in Ten Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Qualitative Study

Overview

Journal Psychol Res Behav Manag

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Social Sciences

Date 2024 Nov 20

PMID 39564164

Authors

Shuang Dai

Lan Gao

Chao Zou

Minghui Ge

Junwei Zhou

Yinghua Yun

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the gratitude experience of young and middle-aged patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) during hospitalisation to provide a theoretical basis for medical professionals to develop gratitude intervention programs.

Methods: Patients with SMA who were treated with nusinersen in the Department of Neurology of the First Hospital of Jilin University between April 20 and May 20, 2024 were selected using the purposive sampling method, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interview data were analysed using Colaizzi's 7-step analysis method.

Results: Four themes were extracted: gratitude stimulated positive emotions; gratitude enhanced life motivation; gratitude reflected the level of social support; and gratitude promoted life restructuring planning.

Conclusion: Patients with SMA have gratitude experience and their own perception of life. Strengthened feelings of gratitude could be helpful to the psychological resilience of patients, influence their view of life in a grateful way of thinking and help them actively plan all aspects of their lives, from daily living to social re-integration.

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