Climbing the Mountain Together: Describing the Spiritual Experience of Couples who Have a Child with Cancer
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The purpose of this study is to provide initial evidence to describe how spirituality is involved in the experience of couples who have a child with cancer. This study used an Interpretive Description (I.D.) method which was designed to study health and illness. The outcome is a description of an experience from the viewpoint of the people who have lived it. It is intended that such a description will allow for a greater understanding of how supportive interventions may improve adjustment and healing for the whole family. Three couples were recruited to participate in a 90 minute semi-structured, open-ended interview. Cycles of spiritual dwelling and spiritual seeking were identified as evidence of spiritual transformation in the couples. The strength, trust and reliability in the couple relationship were found to support the process of spiritual transformation.