A synthesis of ethnographic and phenomenological research approaches was used to investigate spiritual resource as the lived experience of Chinese immigrants with breast cancer in the US. The assumptions for the phenomena in this study were based upon Tu's cultural China and Confucian spirituality, as well as van Manen's phenomenological perspectives and Kleinman's ethnographic works. Fifteen Chinese immigrants with breast cancer in the US were recruited. The results reveal six cultural themes including family closeness, traditional Chinese values, religion, alternative therapy, art, prose and literature and Chinese support groups. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chinese immigrants Spiritual care Breast cancer Spirituality Spiritual resource

Needs Assessment cultural anthropology China Pastoral Care nursing methodology research human middle aged Christianity Aged social support ethnology religion United States Buddhism Humans Breast Neoplasms family counseling breast tumor female Religion and Psychology questionnaire Article organization and management Questionnaires Self-Help Groups adult migration Emigration and Immigration Anthropology, Cultural attitude to health self help