Meaning in caregiving has been identified as an important influence on stroke family caregivers’ responses to caregiving and the consequences of caregiving. While the role of meaning plays in stroke caregiving has been recognized, the research foci are mostly on the western populations. Due to different cultural, economic and social backgrounds, caregivers from other populations, such as the Chinese population, may perceive caregiving differently and thus attribute different meanings to it. A hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted to illuminate meaning in caregiving from the perspective of the Chinese stroke family caregivers. A total of five stroke family caregivers were included in this pilot study. Data were collected through unstructured interviews and analyzed by a three-step analysis method including naive reading, structural analysis, and comprehensive understanding. Meaning in caregiving was interpreted as a physical, psychological and social suffering, and an obligation came from social norms and the ethics of Confucius. Caregivers also perceived caregiving as an opportunity and a subjective choice to maintain love and hope, to gain personal growth, and to achieve harmony within the family. After caregiving was normalized in daily life, it became a natural part of life. This study has identified important culturally relevant meanings among the Chinese stroke family caregivers. Findings of this study will empower health and social care professionals to develop culturally relevant interventions to support the Chinese stroke family caregivers and the stroke survivors.
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