关键词: 宫颈癌, 配偶照顾者, 质性研究, 创伤后成长

Abstract: Objective: To Explore the post-traumatic growth experience of spouses of reproductive-age women with cervical cancer and revealing its underlying psychological motivations, aiming to provide reference for supportive care by clinical medical staff and assist families in better coping with the multiple challenges posed by the disease. Methods: Using purposive sampling, 12 spouses of cervical cancer patients from a tertiary grade A hospital in Baoding were selected as participants. A phenomenological qualitative research approach was adopted, with data collected through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using Nvivo 15.0 and Colaizzi's 7-step analysis method. Results: Five themes and 11 sub-themes were identified, including enhanced personal strength (increased self-efficacy, improved empathy), improved interpersonal relationships (enhanced marital intimacy, increased perceived social support, spousal support and mutual growth), positive and effective coping strategies (actively seeking help, accepting reality, self-regulation, redefining meaning), changes in life philosophy (adoption of health behaviors, reprioritization of life), and coexistence of growth experience and traumatic responses. Conclusion: Spousal caregivers of reproductive-age women with cervical cancer often undergo significant psychological changes during the caregiving process and exhibit considerable post-traumatic growth experiences. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the psychological status of this population, understand their psychological experiences, and facilitate their post-traumatic growth to better support them in coping with various challenges arising from the caregiving process.

Key words: Cervical cancer, Spousal caregivers, Qualitative research, Post-traumatic growth