Table 4 Summary of themes and sub-themes
From: Qualitative study of spousal emotional experiences of taking care of dying patients
Themes | Sub-themes |
|---|---|
The positive and negative emotional experiences | Â |
The positive emotional experiences | Deep gratitude |
Valuing the time spent together | |
A shift in life’s priorities | |
Contemplation of the essence of life and a transformation in life philosophy | |
A sense of helplessness and confusion about life and death | |
The negative emotional experiences | Emotional exhaustion |
Feelings of loneliness and helplessness | |
Heart’s inability to endure | |
Caught off guard by the changes | Leading to death anxiety and a state of high alert |
Panic-stricken and fearful | |
The pain of parting, piercing to the heart and soul | Deep attachment to the spouse |
The sorrow and pain of parting |