From Existential Descent to Spiritual Renewal: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Near-Death Survivors and Their Caregivers

Abstract : This qualitative study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences and meaning-making processes of 10 COVID-19 survivors and 6 caregivers in the Philippines. In-depth interviews focused on their multidimensional experiences during acute illness, including hospitalization, intubation, and hemoperfusion, and their subsequent journey of coping and post-crisis growth. The findings reveal that participants achieved resilience through a multifaceted process of recovery spanning physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. In this context, resilience is defined as the robust capacity to not only recover from the physiological impact of the virus but also to adapt to the extended social and emotional consequences, such as isolation, profound loss, and stigma. Critically, the study identifies that this resilience is fundamentally anchored in spiritual connections, successful meaning-making, and the ability to emerge with a “Life of Significance”. The research concludes that fostering resilience is a holistic endeavor, demanding adequate social support and resources for both survivors and caregivers. This study contributes to the field of palliative care by emphasizing the need to address holistic spiritual, psychosocial, and physical needs throughout the illness and recovery trajectory.