Living beyond illness: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of psychological well-being among children living with chronic illness

Children living with chronic illnesses face physical, psychological, social, and developmental challenges that may shape their identities, relationships, and future expectations. This study explored how children and adolescents with chronic illnesses experience and make sense of psychological well-being in everyday life. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study involved 15 participants aged 10–18 years, purposively recruited for semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The analysis identified four interconnected themes: reconstructing the self beyond illness, finding strength in meaningful relationships, learning to live with uncertainty, and holding on to hope. The findings suggest that psychological well-being is not simply the absence of distress or illness-related difficulties; rather, it is an ongoing process of sustaining identity, meaningful relationships, adaptation, and future possibilities. The study highlights the importance of child-centered healthcare and psychological services that recognize children beyond their patient identities.