Abstract

• Purpose
  The main purpose of this study was to develop a substantive theory on the process of the spiritual experience in Christian terminal cancer patients in the context of Korean society and culture. The question for the study was ‘ What is the spiritual process in Christian terminal cancer patients?’.
• Method
  The research method used was the Grounded Theory Method developed by Strauss and Corbin (1998). Participants for this study in total were 9 Christian terminal cancer patients. Data was collected using in-depth interviews during April 2003 to March. 2004. Data collection and analysis were carried out at the same time.
• Result
  From the analysis 58 concepts and 20 categories emerged. The categories were presented into a paradigm, which consisted of condition-actions/ interactions-consequences. The theoretical scheme was described by organizing categories. In total, 4 stages were developed from the condition-actions/ interactions-consequences. Throughout these stages, the ‘ overcoming process of unbalanced interconnectedness’ was the core category discovered.
• Conclusion
  This study provides a framework for the development of individualized care interventions in the ‘ overcoming process of unbalanced interconnectedness’ for Christian terminal cancer patients.
• Keywords: Spirituality; Patients with terminal cancer; Christians; Grounded theory

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