| This study investigated the lived experience of resilience among individuals diagnosed with cancer. Although a significant amount of research exists examining resilience through the lens of explanatory theory, there is a dearth of qualitative research exploring the construct of psychological resilience. As an alternative to researching resilience quantitatively, this study approached the concept of resilience without presumptively defining the phenomenon. Using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenology, a qualitative method applied within the discipline of psychology, this study sought to understand the lived experience of resilience, rather than to quantitatively measure, concepts related to resilience.;Each of three participants was asked to describe, in as much detail as possible, a time since her cancer diagnosis in which she experienced a situation where she felt resilient. Each description was analyzed using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological psychological method. Subsequent analysis of all participant descriptions resulted in a holistic structure of the phenomenon of resilience comprised of the following phenomenological psychological constituents: (a) Sudden recognition of physical peril and mortality; (b) Eventual commitment to taking actions one believes foster healing and wellness; (c) Acknowledgement and engagement of one's sources of power and strength; and (d) Claiming, trusting, and acting according to one's sense of personal agency. The results indicated that a common set of psychological constituents exist that defined resilience for those individuals who self-identified as having experienced the phenomenon. This understanding of resilience can provide additional insight to what psychological factors contribute to increased resilience and potentially assist in fostering the experience for others who face adversity. |
