Explaining the Internal Foundations of Hope Formation in the Wives of Men with Cancer in Iran: A Qualitative Study

Background: Cancer not only affects the individuals diagnosed with the disease but also significantly impacts the lives of their family members, especially their spouses. The wives of men diagnosed with cancer often face emotional challenges that influence their sense of hope. Objectives: This research investigated the lived experiences of the wives of men with cancer, focusing on their the foundations of hope formation. Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative content analysis approach. Purposeful sampling was employed, and data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. For ensuring the trustworthiness of data, the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln, including credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability, were utilized. Ultimately, interviews were conducted with 11 participants until data saturation was achieved. The data were then analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s content analysis method. Results: After transcribing the interviews and eliminating similar codes, 209 initial codes were extracted. These codes were then categorized into a single overarching theme based on their content. The results of the data analysis led to the identification of one primary theme that explains the internal foundations of hope. This theme encompasses the following components: (1) Acceptance and adaptation, (2) transformation and reconstruction of meaning, (3) self-empowerment and self-determination, and (4) manifestation of willpower. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, hope in the process of its formation in the wives of men with cancer has internal foundations. To strengthen hope in this group, attention must be paid to these foundations.