The Pattern of the Becoming-Self in Death and Dying

Abstract

As part of a triangulated study that examined psychological adaptation in home hospice patients, the grounded theory method was used to generate social-psychological processes of dying. The pattern of the becoming-self was one of seven patterns that emerged. The responses and reactions of 15 dying persons described a pattern that was shaped by self-integration, inner cognition, creation of personal meanings, and connection to others and a higher being. The becoming-self supported humanism and veritivity as defined in adaptation nursing theory.