Volume 5, Issue 1 (March 2026)
IJER 2026, 5(1): 0-0 |
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Haji Fathali F, Emamipour S, Leilabadie L, Alizadeh M. (2026). Explaining the Lived Experiences of Patients with Hematologic Malignancies with an Emphasis on the Role of Cognitive Flexibility in Improving Quality of Life: A Qualitative Study. IJER. 5(1),
URL: http://ijer.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-541-en.html
URL: http://ijer.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-541-en.html
1- Department of Psychology, C.T.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, C.T.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran ,Susan.Emamipoor@iau.ac.ir
3- Department of Psychology, C.T.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Psychology, C.T.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, C.T.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran ,
3- Department of Psychology, C.T.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Psychology, C.T.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (16 Views)
Objective: Patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly during aggressive treatments such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, face extensive physical, psychological, and social challenges that significantly affect their quality of life. The present study aimed to explore the lived experiences of these patients, with an emphasis on the role of cognitive flexibility in improving quality of life.
Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and an interpretative phenomenological methodology. Participants included patients with hematologic malignancies who were hospitalized in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation unit. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Data analysis led to the identification of several core themes highlighting the central role of cognitive flexibility in patients’ quality of life experiences. These themes included redefining the meaning of illness, acceptance of reality accompanied by hope, modification of maladaptive cognitive patterns, and active adaptation to treatment-related limitations. Cognitively flexible patients demonstrated a greater ability to regulate emotions, reduce perceived stress, and maintain a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
Conclusions: Cognitive flexibility, as a key psychological resource, plays a significant role in improving the quality of life of patients with hematologic malignancies. Designing supportive and psychological interventions focused on enhancing cognitive flexibility may contribute substantially to improving the quality of life of these patients.
Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and an interpretative phenomenological methodology. Participants included patients with hematologic malignancies who were hospitalized in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation unit. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Data analysis led to the identification of several core themes highlighting the central role of cognitive flexibility in patients’ quality of life experiences. These themes included redefining the meaning of illness, acceptance of reality accompanied by hope, modification of maladaptive cognitive patterns, and active adaptation to treatment-related limitations. Cognitively flexible patients demonstrated a greater ability to regulate emotions, reduce perceived stress, and maintain a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
Conclusions: Cognitive flexibility, as a key psychological resource, plays a significant role in improving the quality of life of patients with hematologic malignancies. Designing supportive and psychological interventions focused on enhancing cognitive flexibility may contribute substantially to improving the quality of life of these patients.
Keywords: Hematologic malignancies, Quality of life, Cognitive flexibility, Lived experience, Qualitative study
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Educational Psychology
Received: 2025/08/15 | Accepted: 2025/11/16 | Published: 2026/03/1
Received: 2025/08/15 | Accepted: 2025/11/16 | Published: 2026/03/1
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