Transitions in Psychological Well-being and Life Orientation: The Phenomenon of Post Traumatic Growth after Renal Transplantation

This qualitative study was carried out to study how renal transplant recipients (RTRs) following a successful transplant in Pakistan perceive their experience and life before and after the transplant. The aim was to explore recipients’ perceptions and transitions concerning their personality and life orientation as a consequence of a major surgical experience. The study focused on how the recipients perceived the impact of losing native kidneys, their coping and adjustment with altered life styles before and after the transplant. Using in depth interviews, twenty participants (10 males, 10 females) were approached at the renal follow-up clinic and asked to describe their transplant experiences and compare their physical functioning, family and social life and psychological well-being pre-and post-transplant. Out of twenty, 14 agreed to share their experiences in the qualitative interview. A thematic analysis revealed that transplantation brought positive changes in their psychological well-being. Participants tended to have an optimistic attitude towards life focus regarding past, present and future plans & concerns. The themes explaining these transitions included; ‘post traumatic growth’ as indicated by an optimistic attitude & personal growth’ as a consequent impact of transplant, ‘gratitude’, ‘emotional morbidity’ and ‘transplant related fears, anxieties & uncertainty’ about possible future consequences & risk vulnerability and future concerns. Most recipients perceived themselves as ‘changed beings’ regarding their behaviors, beliefs and interpersonal relationships.