scholarly journals Life Review in Dementia: The Value of Identity

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 275-275
Author(s):  
Diane Walsh ◽  
Hanna Ulatowska ◽  
Tricia Santos ◽  
Sara Aguilar ◽  
Rebecca Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Social Engagement ◽  
Declarative Memory ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Life Review ◽  
Social Origin ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
General Evaluation ◽  
Moderate Dementia ◽  
War Experiences

Abstract The stories told by veterans with dementia provide new insights into person-centered care for healthcare professionals. In this qualitative exploratory study, life review in seven WW II veterans with mild-moderate dementia was examined. Participants with mild-moderate dementia were selected from a larger study of seventy oldest-old veterans. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit testimonial language about memorable war experiences, including their perception and evaluations of the war. The interviewer provided questions and prompts to facilitate responses when necessary. Despite decreased declarative memory manifested via reduction in details and specificity of information within narratives, participants demonstrated a desire to share their war time experiences. Veterans selected appropriate memories to share, indicating their preserved sense of self. They provided a general evaluation of their wartime experiences when prompted. Veterans expressed various types of identity related to both their social origin and their experience of participating in the war. Identities of social origin revealed cultural identities which were expressed via their sense of humor. Wartime identities include being a survivor, a patriot, and a tolerant person. Veterans also described how the GI Bill helped them become college educated. This study suggests that identity is relatively preserved more so in individuals with mild versus moderate dementia when producing autobiographical stories. The process of life review brings identity to the surface. Acknowledging the identity of individuals with dementia is essential to care as it recognizes the value of the person. Additionally, eliciting significant autobiographical memories serves as a valuable means of social engagement and connection.

scholarly journals Spirituality and the Sense of Self: An Inductive Analysis

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Kavar
Keyword(s):  
Social Engagement ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Purpose In Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Meaning And Purpose ◽  
Inductive Analysis

The investigation examined the understanding of spirituality as related to the sense of self. Self-reports from semi-structured interviews of participants with a stated value for spirituality are analyzed inductively. Using a Rogerian understanding of self, the analysis identified six themes related to how participants understand spirituality as related to their sense of self. The themes demonstrate that spirituality is a key dimension to self understanding and is part of relationships, social engagement, an understanding of meaning and purpose in life, and an overall sense of happiness and joy.

Widowhood in the fourth age: support exchange, relationships and social participation

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 188-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. ISHERWOOD ◽  
D. S. KING ◽  
M. A. LUSZCZ
Keyword(s):  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Social Resources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Spousal Bereavement ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Exchange Relationships ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Future Policy

ABSTRACTWidowhood becomes increasingly common with advancing age, and spousal bereavement is likely to present additional challenges for adults in very late life. However, previous studies have not considered the potential heterogeneity of the experience of widowhood for different age cohorts. This study provided a novel examination of the experience of social resources during widowhood in the fourth age. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 widowed older men and women in the fourth age, i.e. aged 85 years and older. Participants were asked about their access to, and mobilisation of, social resources during widowhood in the fourth age. The role that these resources play in adjustment to spousal loss was also explored. During this phase, widowhood was associated with diminished social networks and concurrent challenges related to ageing and health which impacted upon support needs and social participation. Despite requiring and receiving increasing levels of social support, participants strove to maximise independence. Males and those widowed during the fourth age were more likely to experience social isolation, loneliness and unwanted informal support. Through the mobilisation of social resources many oldest-old widowed adults continue to lead socially engaged and meaningful lives. The implications of the findings for future policy and practice are discussed, including the need for programmes to promote the continuing independence, self-directedness and social engagement of widowed individuals experiencing advanced ageing.

Social Engagement and Communicative Skills in the Oldest Old

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Keller-Cohen ◽  
Diane L. Miller ◽  
Katherine L. Fiori
Keyword(s):  
Social Engagement ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Communicative Skills

scholarly journals The content and meaning of war experiences: A qualitative study of trauma and resilience among Liberian young refugees in Ghana

2020 ◽  
pp. 136346152090163
Author(s):  
Felix Nyarko ◽  
Raija-Leena Punamäki
Keyword(s):  
Peace Building ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Age Appropriate ◽  
African Context ◽  
War Survivors ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
War Experiences ◽  
History Approach

Abundant research has shown that traumatic war experiences can interfere with the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents, but less is known about the subjective experiences and views of war survivors. The present study identified and described the different types of war experiences of young refugees in an African context and analyzed how they perceived the meanings and impact of war on their lives. The participants were 13 Liberian 25–35-year-old male and female refugees living in Ghana who agreed to take part in semi-structured interviews based on the life history approach. The transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenological method to detect themes incorporating multiple subthemes. The results revealed five main themes about war experiences, all negative in nature: pain and humiliation, loss of close relationships, horrific scenes, threats to life, and fleeing for one’s life. Concerning the perceived meanings and impact of war, the results identified six main themes. Three of them were positive in nature: increased awareness of life, compassion for life, and identification with those suffering. The negative main themes incorporated vivid horrific memories, deprivation of age-appropriate opportunities, and self-harm and destructive behavior. Our findings suggest that young war survivors may be highly motivated to participate in nation- and peace-building and should be provided opportunities to contribute to broader political and civic life.

Beauty in Later Life: Older Women's Perceptions of Physical Attractiveness

2002 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C. Hurd Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Physical Attractiveness ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Women’S Perceptions ◽  
Fashion Models ◽  
Beauty Ideals ◽  
Female Bodies ◽  
Using Data

ABSTRACTUsing data from 96 hours of semi-structured interviews with women aged 61 to 92, this paper explores the meanings that older women attribute to beauty and aging. The women in my study tend to equate physical attractiveness with youthfulness and slimness. However, they reject the extremes of thinness embodied in today's fashion models and actresses. Even as they disparage obese individuals, the women argue that thin older women appear scrawny. The women express a preference for more rounded female bodies than current beauty standards allow and emphasize the importance of inner beauty. While some women view their wrinkles negatively, others suggest that their facial creases are badges of honour. I argue that older women do not simply internalize beauty ideals to the detriment of their sense of self. Rather, older women resist and challenge current ideals of feminine attractiveness and suggest alternative beauty ideals and definitions of personal desirability.

How Can We Enhance the Sense of Self-Efficacy in Epilepsy Individual Responses from 2 Qualitative Case Reports

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Michaelis ◽  
Christina Niedermann ◽  
Bettina Berger
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Focal Epilepsy ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Interventions

Background: Epilepsy is a serious, common and chronic neurological condition characterized by an increased disposition to suffer occasional seizures. Psychological interventions may enhance the well-being of individuals with epilepsy. So far, no qualitative study has investigated the complex effects of psychotherapeutic interventions in epilepsy. Methods: This study examined the questions as to if and how the participation in a patient-centered 6-month resource-oriented mindfulness-based intervention would enhance an individual's well-being and sense of self-efficacy. Pre- and post-intervention semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 9 participants. Qualitative data analysis (Mayring) in an inter-professional group was combined with the evaluation of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31. The case reports follow the CAse REport Guidelines for Anthroposophic Art Therapies (CARE-AAT). To show the diverse nature of individual intervention objectives, we chose the single case study format, contrasting 2 participants with diagnosed focal epilepsy. Results: Pre-intervention deductive and inductive outcome categories revealed high levels of stress regarding personal seizure experience and loss of autonomy, for both participants. Post-intervention interviews consist of increased seizure-related self-efficacy and self-awareness: while minimizing the debilitating impact of the seizures on her life was relevant to Iris, Carl developed a personalized aura interruption technique. Conclusions: These qualitative case analyses suggest that enhanced psychological well-being and even positive medical results may be achieved when epilepsy care focuses on the wishes that are most meaningful to the individual. The possibility of improving the quantitative evaluation of the effects of psychotherapeutic interventions needs to be explored.

scholarly journals ‘Do you mean I’m not whole?’: Exploring the role of support in women’s experiences of mastectomy without reconstruction

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1598-1609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Archer ◽  
Fiona G Holland ◽  
Jane Montague
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
The Self ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Positive Support ◽  
Unilateral Mastectomy

This study explores the role of others in supporting younger women who opt not to reconstruct their breast post-mastectomy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 30s/40s. The women lived in England, had been diagnosed a minimum of 5 years previously and had undergone unilateral mastectomy. An interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed three themes: Assuring the self: ‘I’ll love you whatever’, Challenging the self: ‘Do you mean I’m not whole?’ and Accepting the self: ‘I’ve come out the other side’. The women’s experiences of positive support and challenges to their sense of self are discussed.

The interplay of avatar identities, self-efficacy, and language practices

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Chen
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Language Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This study intends to examine English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ attitudes toward practicing English in Second Life (SL) and to unpack the effects of avatar identities on EFL learners’ sense of self-efficacy and language practices. Nine EFL learners worldwide participated in a task-based course in SL, using avatars to carry out SL-related tasks while interacting with peers and the teacher via voice chat. Qualitative data were triangulated from multiple sources: learner reflective journals, a post-course survey, and semi-structured interviews. Three major themes emerged: (1) the effects of masked identity on learning, (2) the impact of telepresence and copresence on learning, and (3) the perceived attitudes toward avatar affinity. Findings implicate that the avatar form renders masked identities to safeguard learners’ self-efficacy and empower their language practices. It also opens up a research avenue on the impact of avatar identities on language learning and teaching in 3D virtual environments.

Relational autonomy in action: Rethinking dementia and sexuality in care facilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1654-1664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Victor ◽  
Laura Guidry-Grimes
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Ethics Consultation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Agency ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Sexual Identities ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Moderate Dementia ◽  
Consultation Services

Background: Caregivers and administrators in long-term facilities have fragile moral work in caring for residents with dementia. Residents are susceptible to barriers and vulnerabilities associated with the most intimate aspects of their lives, including how they express themselves sexually. The conditions for sexual agency are directly affected by caregivers’ perceptions and attitudes, as well as facility policies. Objective: This article aims to clarify how to approach capacity determinations as it relates to sexual activity, propose how to theorize about patient autonomy in this context, and suggest some considerations for finding an ethically responsible and practically feasible way to respect the sexual rights of this population. Research Design: The focus is on residents with early to moderate dementia in states of daily dependency on professional caregivers. The article critically examines existing empirical research on sexuality among persons with dementia, caregivers’ attitudes, and institutional roadblocks to enabling residents’ sexuality. A relational lens and insights from disability studies are used in the philosophical analysis. Participants and Research Context: No research participants were part of this analysis. Ethical Considerations: This article offers a conceptual analysis and normative framework only. Findings: The analysis highlights the delicate balance that capacity assessments for sexual activity have to strike; while caregivers should protect those who cannot give adequate consent, the denial of sexuality among residents can cause deep, long-ranging harms. Sexual agency features into an ongoing sense of self for many individuals with dementia, and the imposition of inappropriate standards and expectations for sexual autonomy can lead to unwarranted obstacles to sexual activity. Discussion: Recommendations include developing clear and inclusive institutional policies and practices of care, providing education for caregivers on how to discuss and document residents’ sexual preferences over time, and taking advantage of ethics consultation services. Conclusion: This analysis establishes the need for more research and discussion on this sensitive topic. Future research should investigate the specific responsibilities of caregivers in furthering the sexual interests of residents, how exactly to modify existing capacity instruments, and how best to support historically marginalized patients in their sexual identities.

Reconsidering Change and Continuity in Later Life: Toward an Innovation Theory of Successful Aging

2007 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galit Nimrod ◽  
Douglas A. Kleiber
Keyword(s):  
Activity Theory ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Purposive Sample

This article examines the patterns and meanings of innovation in the activities of a group of retirees with an eye toward understanding the place and value of innovation in the aging process. Starting with a consideration of continuity theory, as a perspective that simply describes typical patterns of activity, and activity theory that prescribes expansion of activities as a key to well-being, this article highlights the characteristics, meanings and perceived benefits of a wide variety of innovative activities. The study utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 20 male and female retirees involved in a “Learning and Retirement” program. Innovations that both preserve a sense of self (internal continuity) as well as those that allow one to strike out in entirely new direction are described, and, using a process of constant comparison, their motivational dynamics are explored. Given previous arguments that activity can be indiscriminate and disintegrative in some circumstances, we nevertheless suggest that innovation can be growth producing and liberating, even in later life, while at the same time generally protecting a sense of internal continuity.

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