Context - Ubiquitous findings regarding the quality of life (QOL) of transplant patients have yet to be explained from a theoretical perspective. Objective - To investigate transplant patients' QOL by using the conceptual framework of crisis theory. Design - Cross-sectional study to explore differences in transplant patients' experiences of stress, coping, and QOL. Regression analysis was used to test crisis theory in relation to QOL, stress, and coping. Participants - A total of 226 participants representing transplant candidates, transplant recipients, and nontransplant individuals participated via survey-based data collection. Results - Results showed that transplant candidates experience lower QOL than transplant recipients and nontransplant individuals. No significant differences were detected regarding stress levels or coping styles. Stress made a significant contribution to patients' QOL. Conclusions - Current findings suggest important QOL benefits of organ transplant. Using a theoretical model is an effective way to investigate the QOL of people experiencing chronic illness such as end-stage organ failure. Further investigation is required to reach a conclusive understanding of the complex interaction between transplant patients' QOL, stress, and coping.
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