Filipino Patients' Experiences of Post-Traumatic Growth After Surviving a Chronic Illness

This study delves into the post-traumatic growth experiences of Filipino patients with chronic illnesses. Post-traumatic growth is a positive psychological improvement that occurs as a result of dealing with trauma or extremely difficult situations; in this study, it relates to chronic illness. The study made use of narrative analysis following the Creswell Model. This is based on the constructivist paradigm which holds that people's interactions and experiences shape knowledge. The results of the study sequentially generated seven emerging themes before, during, and after the diagnosis and treatment. Theme 1. Living with High Energy: Enjoying the Worldly Life. Theme 2. Initial Recognition of Physical Symptoms of the Illness. Theme 3. Managing the Illness through Periodic Monitoring. Theme 4. A Turbulent Ride: Going through the Emotional Roller Coaster. Theme 5. Alternative Medicine as a Health Management Strategy and Theme 6. Leaving the Rest to God: Overcoming A Life-Changing Experience. Theme 7: Post Traumatic Growth: Embracing Positive Change. After facing this health crisis with grit and an intrinsic drive to survive for themselves and their family, these realities have changed them and made them more resilient. The findings of the study were a basis for crafting a psychoeducation and supportive counseling program as a proposed program resulting from narrative data.