International Journal of Nursing Studies Volume 178, June 2026

This study investigates how survivors of a heart attack experience positive psychological transformation over time within a Chinese cultural framework. By interviewing patients at three distinct intervals, researchers identified a four-stage progression that moves from initial trauma and self-reflection to eventual life adaptation and personal strength. The findings highlight how collectivist family values initially drive recovery, though patients eventually transition from a fear of death to a more stable, long-term acceptance of their condition. Ultimately, the text argues that medical providers must offer culturally sensitive support tailored to these specific developmental phases to best foster a patient’s inner resilience.