Being a mother with multiple sclerosis: Negotiating cultural ideals of mother and child

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 212-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe Parton ◽  
Jane M Ussher ◽  
Simone Natoli ◽  
Janette Perz
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
The Self ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Emotional Resilience ◽  
Cultural Ideals ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Feminist Poststructuralist

Multiple sclerosis can impact affected women’s experiences of motherhood through physical and cognitive impairment. This study examined how women construct and experience motherhood while living with multiple sclerosis. Twenty mothers diagnosed with multiple sclerosis took part in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, drawing on feminist poststructuralist theory to organise and interpret themes. Two main themes were identified: “Performing motherhood in the context of MS” and “Bringing up a ‘good’ child”. “Performing motherhood in the context of MS” comprises the subthemes, “The self-sacrificing mother: Negating women’s needs”, “The unreliable mother: Adjusting day-to-day mothering practices”, and “Resisting discourses of idealised motherhood”. “Bringing up a ‘good’ child”, comprises the subthemes, “The damaging mother: Fear of harming the child” and “The good mother: Caring and building resilience in the child”. Women positioned themselves as failing to be good mothers, because of limitations to their mothering, and fear of damaging children. Focusing on building children’s emotional resilience functioned to restore constructions of “good” mothering. Acknowledging how Western cultural ideals influence women’s experience of mothering when living with chronic illness is important. Health professionals can provide support by addressing women’s feelings of failure as mothers and supporting communication with children.

scholarly journals Training at the Gym, Training for Life: Creating Better Versions of the Self Through Exercise

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 442-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ceren Doğan
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Physical Training ◽  
The Self ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Emotional Resilience ◽  
Physical Sense ◽  
Political Discourses ◽  
Exercise Regime ◽  
Psychological Sense

The present study draws on Scott’s (2011) notion of the Re-Inventive Institution and explores how gym members make sense and give meaning to their exercise regime. Overall, it is argued that for many participants gym exercise is more than physical training; it is also training for life. Based on a thematic analysis of 32 semi-structured interviews it is argued that gym workout is a means to create better versions of the self on mainly three levels. First, gym participants perceive themselves to be efficient and productive in general. Second, gym training is believed to increase the control they have over their lives. Third, gym members associate their gym workout with amplified emotional resilience, believing that fitness workout makes them not only fitter in a physical sense but also fitter and better equipped in a psychological sense. Surprisingly, a small group of regular gym users displayed more critical sentiments and distanced themselves from the images and values the gym stands for. The results of this study can be linked to broader political discourses on health and fitness that make use of corporate managerial vocabularies and are based on ideals of rationalization and efficiency.

Asking the Hard Questions: Psychologists’ Discomfort With Inquiring About Sexual Abuse Histories

2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110145
Author(s):  
Belinda Nixon ◽  
Elly Quinlan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Early Career Psychologists ◽  
University Training

The literature on sexual abuse indicates low rates of inquiry by mental health professionals. This study explores early career psychologists’ experiences of inquiry into their clients’ sexual abuse histories. Twelve Australian psychologists participated in semi-structured interviews with transcripts analyzed using thematic analysis. The vast majority of participants reported that they did not routinely inquire about sexual abuse with barriers including not knowing what to do, discomfort, stigma, and fear of negative outcomes. Participants asserted that their university training in sexual abuse inquiry was inadequate. Findings emphasize the need for the development of an evidence-based framework for sexual abuse training.

scholarly journals Exploring utilisation of the allied health assistant workforce in the Victorian health, aged care and disability sectors

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Huglin ◽  
L. Whelan ◽  
S. McLean ◽  
K. Greer ◽  
D. Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Health Assistant

Abstract Background Allied health assistants (AHAs) support allied health professionals (AHPs) to meet workforce demands in modern healthcare systems. Previous studies have indicated that AHAs may be underutilised in some contexts. This study aims to identify factors contributing to the effective utilisation of AHAs across health, aged care and disability sectors and possible pathway elements that may optimise AHA careers in Victoria. Methods Using an interpretive description approach data collection included a workforce survey and semi structured interviews (individual and group). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and thematic analysis. Participants included allied health assistants, allied health professionals and allied health leaders in the health, aged care or disability sectors; educators, managers or student of allied health assistance training; and consumers of Victorian health, disability or aged care services. Results The literature scan identified numerous potential barriers to and enablers of AHA workforce utilisation. A total of 727 participants completed the survey consisting of AHAs (n = 284), AHPs & allied health leaders (n = 443). Thirteen group and 25 individual interviews were conducted with a total of 119 participants. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified four interrelated factors (system, training, individual and workplace) in pre-employment training and workplace environments. These factors were reported to contribute to effective utilisation of the AHA workforce across health, aged care and disability sectors. Study findings were also used to create a conceptual diagram of potential AHA career pathway elements. Conclusion This study identified pre-employment and workplace factors which may contribute to the optimal utilisation of the AHA workforce across Victorian health, aged care and disability sectors. Further study is needed to investigate the transferability of these findings to national and global contexts, and testing of the conceptual model.

scholarly journals On the Question of Integrating Spirituality with Counselling in India

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Thomas Joseph Parayil ◽  
Tony Sam George
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Structured Interviews

This paper explores the therapists’ views and experience on spiritual components in counselling. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis used. The participants were nine mental health professionals from different backgrounds with 15 to 30 years of experience in the field. The four main themes that emerged are faith in God, the power of prayer, forgiveness and wholesome treatment process  

scholarly journals ‘Suddenly the first fifty years of my life made sense’: Experiences of older people with autism

Autism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aoife Hickey ◽  
Jason Crabtree ◽  
Joshua Stott
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Life Review ◽  
The Self ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Comparison Results

Research on the experience of growing older with autism is very limited. In this study, 13 people with autism aged over 50 years participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of diagnosis, social support and getting older. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were generated: difference, life review and longing for connection. Prior to diagnosis, individuals had awareness of their difficulties, attributed these to intrinsic difference and engaged in a deliberate process of reducing the visibility of this difference. Diagnosis prompted a process of life review and externalisation, whereby past negative experiences were reattributed to autism as opposed to the self. Loneliness, isolation and yearning for interpersonal connection were ubiquitous and longstanding. Autism support and social groups were highly valued, offering opportunities for belonging, acceptance and social comparison. Results highlight the similarity to younger age groups in terms of lived experience and need for greater support, particularly with respect to reducing isolation and improving access to diagnosis.

scholarly journals Maternal Health in Timor-Leste: Representations and Practices during Pregnancy, Birth and the Postnatal Period

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 30-46
Author(s):  
H. B. Manuel ◽  
N. Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Timor Leste ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Care Practices

Culture has a strong influence on the representations and health behaviour of individuals and groups. This is reflected in the reproductive health of the Timorese women, intervention in this field being of a priority nature in Timor-Leste in view of its high fertility and maternal mortality rates. The purpose of this ethnographic study is to analyse beliefs, representations and practices associated with pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. It was conducted in Timor-Leste and involved the participation of health professionals, traditional midwives, women and couples, all of them selected through a snowball chain sampling procedure. Data was collected by means of exploratory semi-structured interviews and observation, and its content was duly analysed. The results show the existence of various recommendations, taboos and restrictions which aim at protecting the health of both mother and child, making use of traditional care practices which may vary among ethnolinguistic groups, communities or families. 

scholarly journals Work and Leprosy: women in their pains, struggles and toils

2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 660-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Gonçalves ◽  
Michely Aline Rodrigues do Prado ◽  
Simone Santana da Silva ◽  
Karen da Silva Santos ◽  
Priscila Norié de Araujo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Limitation ◽  
Daily Life Activities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Difficulties ◽  
And Gender

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the interference of leprosy in women’s life regarding work and daily life activities. Method: Exploratory qualitative study developed from semi-structured interviews and with the use of field diaries. The strategy of the organization of data was a thematic analysis of content and referential of the work process in health and gender. Results: The themes presented are: “The leprosy pains”, “Changes with the disease and adaptation at work and activities” and “Being a woman with leprosy”. On them, we present the aspects that changed in women’s life from the leprosy, especially regarding work and daily activities. Beyond physical limitation, there are impacts on social relations and above all on formal work, there may even be dismission. Final considerations: In women affected by leprosy, work and daily activities are directly affected; this deepens the social difficulties and requires attention of health professionals.

scholarly journals Patient-identified early clinical warning signs of nodular melanoma: a qualitative study

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adina Coroiu ◽  
Chelsea Moran ◽  
Jessica A. Davine ◽  
Kyla Brophy ◽  
Catherine Bergeron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Superficial Spreading ◽  
Early Signs ◽  
Dark Coloration

Abstract Background Nodular (NM) and superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) show different disease trajectories, with more rapid development in NM and fewer opportunities for early detection often resulting in worse outcomes. Our study described the patient-identified early signs of thin NM via comparisons to thin (≤ 2 mm) SSM and thick (> 2 mm) NM. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with NM and SSM patients and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Results We enrolled 34 NM and 32 SSM patients. Melanoma early signs uniquely identified by patients with thin NM included white, blue or black coloration, “dot-like” size, fast changes in shape and color observed over 2 weeks, elevation and texture or “puffiness” over 6–12 months, and the sensation that the mole “did not feel right”. Early signs reported by both thin NM and thin SSM patients included round or oblong shape, “jagged” border, pink/red, brown/reddish or dark coloration, “elevated like a pimple” or “tiny bump”, fast color darkening, diameter growth, and border irregularity, and mole feeling “really itchy”. Conclusions We found evidence that early signs of NM can be self-identified, which has important implications for the earlier detection of this most aggressive type of melanoma by both health professionals and patients.

scholarly journals Implementing the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS) in universal services: Qualitative interviews with health visitors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippa K Bird ◽  
Zoe Hindson ◽  
Abigail Dunn ◽  
Anna Cronin de Chavez ◽  
Josie Dickerson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Visitors ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Routine Assessment

A secure parent-infant relationship lays the foundations for childrens development, however there are currently no measurement tools recommended for clinical practice. We evaluate the clinical utility of a structured assessment of the parent-infant relationship (the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale, MPAS) in a deprived, multi-ethnic urban community in England. This paper answers the question: what are health visitors views on the parent-infant relationship, and experiences of piloting the MPAS? It explores the barriers and facilitators to implementation, and complements the paper on psychometric properties and representativeness reported in Dunn et al (submitted). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 health visitors and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Health visitors stressed the importance of the parent-infant relationship and reported benefits of the MPAS, including opening conversation, and identifying and reporting concerns. Challenges included timing, workload, the appropriateness and understanding of the questions and the length of the tool. Suggestions for improvements to the tool were identified. Our findings help to explain results in Dunn et al, and challenges identified would hinder routine assessment of the parent-infant relationship. Further work with health professionals and parents has been undertaken to co-produce an acceptable, feasible and reliable tool for clinical practice.

scholarly journals Patient-identified early clinical warning signs of nodular melanoma: A qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adina Coroiu ◽  
Chelsea Moran ◽  
Jessica A. Davine ◽  
Kyla Brophy ◽  
Catherine Bergeron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Superficial Spreading ◽  
Early Signs ◽  
Dark Coloration

Abstract Background: Nodular (NM) and superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) show different disease trajectories, with more rapid development in NM and fewer opportunities for early detection often resulting in worse outcomes. Our study described the patient-identified early signs of thin NM via comparisons to thin (≤ 2 mm) SSM and thick (>2 mm) NM. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with NM and SSM patients and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Results: We enrolled 34 NM and 32 SSM patients. Melanoma early signs uniquely identified by patients with thin NM included white, blue or black coloration, “dot-like” size, fast changes in shape and color observed over 2 weeks, elevation and texture or “puffiness” over 6-12 months, and the sensation that the mole “did not feel right”. Early signs reported by both thin NM and thin SSM patients included round or oblong shape, “jagged” border, pink/red, brown/reddish or dark coloration, “elevated like a pimple” or “tiny bump”, fast color darkening, diameter growth, and border irregularity, and mole feeling “really itchy”.Conclusions: We found evidence that early signs of NM can be self-identified, which has important implications for the earlier detection of this most aggressive type of melanoma by both health professionals and patients.

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