Abstract:

Objective To explore symptom experiences and coping strategies in adult myocarditis patients using the Symptom Experience Model（SEM），addressing a domestic research gap and informing personalized nursing. Methods A descriptive qualitative research method was employed，involving purposeful sampling to select 15 myocarditis patients admitted to a tertiary Grade A hospital in Wuhan from January to April 2025 for semi-structured interviews. The interview outline was designed based on the SEM，and the data were analyzed using directed content analysis. Results Three main themes and nine sub-themes were summarized.①Symptom attribution：lack of initial knowledge，rapid progression，tortuous medical seeking.②Symptom perception：significant somatic symptoms（cold-like，chest symptoms with doom，systemic disturbances）；negative emotions（psychological fortuitism，anxiety and fear，stress disorders）；social identity disconnection（interrupted roles，suspended values）.③Symptom coping：passive regulation，seeking balance，post-traumatic growth. Conclusion The symptom experience of adult myocarditis patients is complex and insidious. In the future，it is necessary to develop personalized plans that integrate physiological rehabilitation，emotional support，and social function recovery to optimize patient care outcomes.

Key words: Myocarditis, Symptom Experience, Qualitative Research, Critical Care Nursing