Qualitative Analysis of the Hwa-byung Recovery Process and Influencing Factors

Objectives: To describe the progress and influencing factors of Hwa-byung. Methods: Data were collected from semi-structured interviews. The progress of and recovery from Hwa-byung were examined using the collected experiences of eight middle-aged women who suffered from Hwa-byung. For analysis of the data collected, a Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) methodology was used. Results: Of the eight participants who thought they had Hwa-byung, six were actually Hwa-byung patients and two were non-Hwa-byung patients. Four years later, four of the six Hwa-byung patients recovered, while the Hwa-byung of one patient persisted, and the remaining patient had circular Hwa-byung. Over time, the symptoms of Hwa-byung declined substantially. However, the patients recognized that their disease continuously persisted. Moreover, they thought their symptoms had worsened. Many types of changes were observed during the recovery period, including environmental, physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, as well as changes in attitudes toward others. Recovery factors included the reduction of stimuli, social support, exercise, treatment, control of rumination, and some cognitive changes. Conclusions: To recover from Hwa-byung, it is necessary for patients to experience changes in environment, cognition, and emotion, and to employ self-management in everyday life.