Belonging and quality of life as perceived by people with advanced cancer who live at home

Abstract

Introduction: In a previous paper, we explored how people with advanced cancer experience occupational engagement and perceive quality of life; this pointed to the importance of doing things with and for others. These emerging findings resonate with the theoretical conceptualization of belonging within occupational science. Purpose: To gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which perceived quality of life of people with advanced cancer who live at home may be associated with belonging, mediated through occupation. Methods: Nine participants took part in this study which used a combination of semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation to generate data. Data from 18 interviews and 77 photographs were analyzed thematically, drawing on four dimensions of belonging. Findings: The findings highlight that maintaining engagement in occupations enables a sense of belonging which the participants associated with quality of life. Aspects related to the dimension of social belonging may become especially important when living with advanced cancer and isolation may constitute a potential barrier to experiencing a sense of belonging. Artefacts may also enable a sense of belonging and generate existential and spiritual feelings which may evoke concerns of impending death.