Gratitude Experience in Ten Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Qualitative Study

Shuang Dai, Lan Gao, Chao Zou, Minghui Ge, Junwei Zhou, Yinghua Yun Department of Neurology, Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yinghua Yun, Department of Neurology, Jilin University First Hospital, No. 71 Xinmin Street, Chaoyang District, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 0431-85612995, Email yuanyinghua542y@163.comObjective: This study aimed to investigate the gratitude experience of young and middle-aged patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) during hospitalisation to provide a theoretical basis for medical professionals to develop gratitude intervention programs.Methods: Patients with SMA who were treated with nusinersen in the Department of Neurology of the First Hospital of Jilin University between April 20 and May 20, 2024 were selected using the purposive sampling method, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interview data were analysed using Colaizzi’s 7-step analysis method.Results: Four themes were extracted: gratitude stimulated positive emotions; gratitude enhanced life motivation; gratitude reflected the level of social support; and gratitude promoted life restructuring planning.Conclusion: Patients with SMA have gratitude experience and their own perception of life. Strengthened feelings of gratitude could be helpful to the psychological resilience of patients, influence their view of life in a grateful way of thinking and help them actively plan all aspects of their lives, from daily living to social re-integration.Keywords: young and middle-aged, spinal muscular atrophy, gratitude, social support, positive psychology