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. 2023 Jan;79(1):254-268.
doi: 10.1111/jan.15464. Epub 2022 Oct 14.

Resilience in adults with colorectal cancer: Refining a conceptual model using a descriptive qualitative approach

Dan Luo  1   2 , Manuela Eicher  3   4 , Kate White  1   2
Affiliations

Resilience in adults with colorectal cancer: Refining a conceptual model using a descriptive qualitative approach

Dan Luo et al. J Adv Nurs. 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Aims: To examine and refine a conceptual model of resilience in adult cancer care based on the perspectives and experiences of resilience in adults with colorectal cancer.

Design: A descriptive qualitative study was performed.

Methods: Twelve participants diagnosed with colorectal cancer that had completed cancer treatment with curative intent were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Australia from July to December 2019. The meaning of individual resilience was explored using in-depth individual interviews. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Following data analysis, the elements of the conceptual model of resilience were mapped against the themes and subthemes to refine the model.

Results: Five themes were identified as key elements of individual resilience in adults with colorectal cancer: (1) seeking motivations to move forward; (2) striving for normality; (3) adapting and managing self; (4) drawing on external supports; (5) redefining self. A refined conceptual model of individual resilience in adults with colorectal cancer was developed based on the integration of the themes and the elements of the conceptual model of individual resilience.

Conclusions: Our refined conceptual model of individual resilience in adults with colorectal cancer could facilitate nurses' and other health professionals' understanding of the process of how resilient individuals with colorectal cancer overcome their illness-related adversity. This refined model may be used to further develop and test cancer-specific resilience measures and develop interventions to facilitate resilience in people living with colorectal cancer.

Impact: This research identified five features of resilience in adults with colorectal cancer and refined a conceptual model of resilience in adults with colorectal cancer. The findings could help nurses and other health professionals with identifying individuals who are at risk of adaptation difficulties and contribute to an early referral to psychosocial support services.

Keywords: a conceptual model; adult; colorectal cancer; psychological distress; qualitative research; resilience.

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Conflict of interest statement

No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Preliminary conceptual model of individual resilience (Luo et al., 2020).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Relationships amongst the five themes of individual resilience in adults with colorectal cancer.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Examination process of the preliminary conceptual model of individual resilience.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Refined conceptual model of individual resilience in adults with colorectal cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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