To examine the thematic features of dignity therapy generativity documents of advanced cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in mainland China from the perspective of meaning-making during dignity therapy.

This is a qualitative descriptive study. Content analysis was used to analyze 24 dignity therapy generativity documents derived from a quasi-experimental trial of dignity therapy for advanced cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in a daycare center at a cancer hospital in northern China.

Among the 24 advanced cancer patients whose generativity documents were analyzed, 14 were male and ranged in age from 26 to 78 years (average = 50.3). Two dimensions emerged from the data: (1) the sources of meaning in life, which consisted of social relationships, things and circumstances providing meaning in life, and (2) the ultimate meaning in life, referring to finding one’s real self and realizing the purpose in life, including personal life goals, dignity and autonomy, and morality of patients.

The multidimensional constructs of meaning in life with distinctive traditional Chinese cultural characteristics could provide insights into dignity-conserving care for advanced cancer patients with Chinese culture and provide evidence for refining the implementation protocol of DT through intentionally addressing the ultimate meaning of patients in the therapeutic session.

Dignity therapy (DT) is a brief, individualized intervention, which provides terminally ill patients with an opportunity to convey memories, essential disclosures, and prepare a final generativity document. DT addresses psychosocial and existential issues, enhancing a sense of meaning and purpose. Several studies have considered the legacy topics most frequently discussed by patients near the end of life. To date, no Portuguese study has done that analysis.

We conducted a qualitative analysis of 17 generativity documents derived from a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Inductive content analysis was used to identify emerging themes.

From the 39 RCT participants receiving DT, 17 gave consent for their generativity document to undergo qualitative analysis. Nine patients were female; mean age of 65 years, with a range from 46 to 79 years. Seven themes emerged: “Significant people and things”; “Remarkable moments”; “Acknowledgments”; “Reflection on the course of life”; “Personal values”; “Messages left to others”; and “Requests and last wishes”.

Generativity document analysis provides useful information for patients nearing death, including their remarkable life moments and memories, core values, concerns, and wishes for their loved ones. Being conscious of these dominant themes may allow health providers to support humanized and personalized care to vulnerable patients and their families, enhancing how professionals perceive and respond to personhood within the clinical setting.