The Lived Experience of Contentment: A Study Using the Parse Research Method

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to answer the research question, What is the structure of the lived experience of contentment? The participants were 10 women volunteers. The Parse research method, a phenomenological-hermeneutic method, was used to uncover the meaning of contentment. The major finding of this study is the structure: Contentment is a satisfying calmness amid the arduous as resolute liberty arises with benevolent engagements. The structure provides knowledge about contentment and its connection to health and quality of life. It is discussed in relation to the principles and concepts of human becoming and in relation to how it can inform future research and practice.