scholarly journals Intertwining the Role of Partner and Caregiver: a Phenomenological Study of the Experiences of Four New Zealand Rural Women Who have Cared for Their Terminally Ill Partners

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Karen Ann Campbell

<p>The stories of the women who live and work in rural settings in New Zealand have begun to reveal unique contributions that they have made to their families and community. Meeting with and listening to rural women's stories reveals insights into the character of these powerful women.  This research study evolved from a trend the researcher observed as a district nurse providing community palliative care in rural New Zealand; that the majority of carers of those who are terminally in home-settings are in fact women. This qualitative study aimed to explore through guided conversational interviews the experiences of four New Zealand women who have cared for their terminally ill partners who have subsequently died.  The study investigated if these women's experiences were comparable to that of other women in existing palliative care literature. This research project focused particularly on elucidating the women's experience of intertwining the role of partner and caregiver. Heidegger's hermeneutic philosophy informed the methodology because he focused on what it meant to 'be' rather than 'how we know what we know'. The project focused on the meanings the women made of this dual role in their lives. Women already in the role of partner were now faced with the added responsibility of caregiver to meet the complex needs of their loved one.  Usually they had no training to prepare them for this experience. The study reveals ways in which the visiting palliative care nurse becomes very important to them. The women's own voices reveal the high level of respect for their partners and address the harsh realities, revealing poignant and striking concerns in their lives. These stories are shared with the intent of enriching nurses' and other health professionals' understanding of the women's experiences.  The intention of the study is to highlight the need for closer attention by nurses to women's requirements when caring for their partner at home. Understanding these women's experience is not only a way of honouring these remarkable women but more widely it will inform and possibly transform practice through guideline and policy refinement.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Karen Ann Campbell

<p>The stories of the women who live and work in rural settings in New Zealand have begun to reveal unique contributions that they have made to their families and community. Meeting with and listening to rural women's stories reveals insights into the character of these powerful women.  This research study evolved from a trend the researcher observed as a district nurse providing community palliative care in rural New Zealand; that the majority of carers of those who are terminally in home-settings are in fact women. This qualitative study aimed to explore through guided conversational interviews the experiences of four New Zealand women who have cared for their terminally ill partners who have subsequently died.  The study investigated if these women's experiences were comparable to that of other women in existing palliative care literature. This research project focused particularly on elucidating the women's experience of intertwining the role of partner and caregiver. Heidegger's hermeneutic philosophy informed the methodology because he focused on what it meant to 'be' rather than 'how we know what we know'. The project focused on the meanings the women made of this dual role in their lives. Women already in the role of partner were now faced with the added responsibility of caregiver to meet the complex needs of their loved one.  Usually they had no training to prepare them for this experience. The study reveals ways in which the visiting palliative care nurse becomes very important to them. The women's own voices reveal the high level of respect for their partners and address the harsh realities, revealing poignant and striking concerns in their lives. These stories are shared with the intent of enriching nurses' and other health professionals' understanding of the women's experiences.  The intention of the study is to highlight the need for closer attention by nurses to women's requirements when caring for their partner at home. Understanding these women's experience is not only a way of honouring these remarkable women but more widely it will inform and possibly transform practice through guideline and policy refinement.</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 233372141983430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dympna Tuohy ◽  
Adeline Cooney

Objective: This interpretive phenomenological study explored older Irish women’s experiences of aging and health related issues. Method: Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 23 older women (coresearchers). Data analysis followed the “Vancouver school of doing phenomenology” framework and included a meta-synthesis of individual case constructions. Results: “Retaining autonomy within a process of adaptation and continued engagement” describes the essential meaning of coresearchers’ experiences. Four themes were identified: “Being in control: Balancing needs and supports,” “Navigating a changing world,” “Being connected and involved,” “Trying to stay well.” Discussion: Gender shapes older women’s experience of aging, health, and ill health. Three major factors moderate their experience: autonomy and control, proactivity and adaptability, and staying engaged with life. The study concludes that aging, gender, and health are intrinsically linked and collectively shape older women’s experience. This is an important consideration when planning gender-appropriate health care services for older women.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tristan D. McBain ◽  
Patricia Reeves

Infertility grief often takes an emotional and mental toll on the affected woman. This phenomenological study examined women’s experiences of infertility grief and how their grief has been disenfranchised by other people in their lives. Interviews were conducted with eight women who met criteria for infertility and were U.S. residents. The women were asked to share aspects of their grief associated with infertility and findings were categorized into the three domains of disenfranchised grief. Findings provided a greater understanding of how women experienced invalidation from others and how invalidation further complicated their grief. Implications included how to increase support for infertile women and provide validating counseling services.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110001
Author(s):  
Chinyere Elsie Ajayi ◽  
Khatidja Chantler ◽  
Lorraine Radford

This study aims to explore if and how cultural beliefs, norms, and practices might contribute to Nigerian women’s experiences of sexual abuse and violence. In-depth narrative interviews were conducted with 12 women of Nigerian origin living in the Northwest of England who had experienced sexual abuse and violence. Women’s accounts were analyzed thematically, and drawing upon a feminist-intersectional conceptual framework, analysis reveals that male privilege defined by gendered role and expectation, religious beliefs, rape myths, and bride-price with the associated practice of libation may have contributed to women’s experiences of sexual abuse and violence.


1992 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia L. Miller ◽  
A. Gaye Cummins

Historically, theoretical and popular conceptions about power have not included or addressed women's experiences. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge about women by examining women's perceptions of and relationship to power. One hundred twenty-five women, ranging in age from 21 to 63, were asked to define and explore power through a variety of structured and open-ended questions. The results showed that women's definition of power differed significantly from their perception of society's definition of power, as well as from the way power has traditionally been conceptualized. More theoretical and empirical attention should be given to understanding the role of personal authority in both women's and men's experience of power.


1997 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 649
Author(s):  
J Morris

This article considers the impact of gender upon women's experiences of the New Zealand justice system, as lawyers and clients. As well as summarising study and survey material, it draws upon information provided to the Law Commission in the course of its project on Women's Acces to Justice: He Putanga mo nga Wahine ki te Tika. It concludes that women are still significantly disadvantaged by the justice system as a result of their gender and that there is an ongoing need for debate and consideration of these issues if women's access to justice is to be improved.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1598-1609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Archer ◽  
Fiona G Holland ◽  
Jane Montague

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.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document