scholarly journals “Lights and Shadows”: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experience of Being Diagnosed With Breast Cancer During Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Facchin ◽  
Giovanna Scarfone ◽  
Giancarlo Tamanza ◽  
Silvia Ravani ◽  
Federica Francini ◽  
...  

Cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is a rare event. The most common type of malignancy diagnosed in pregnant women is breast cancer, whose incidence is expected to raise in the next future due to delayed childbirth, as well as to the increased occurrence of the disease at young age. Pregnant women diagnosed with breast cancer are exposed to multiple sources of stress, which may lead to poorer obstetric outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. In addition, pregnancy involves physiological changes in the breasts that may blur the signs of cancer, with delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis. However, the lived experience of these women was investigated in very few studies. Given this scenario, we conducted this qualitative study to describe and understand women’s subjective experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy. The study was conducted following the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants were five women with breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy, purposefully recruited at a public hospital during medical visits and interviewed at treatment initiation. The interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. The textual analysis led to the identification of three main themes related to: (1) the emotional storm experienced after cancer diagnosis, and the importance of receiving appropriate information and being focused on treatment decisions; (2) physical changes and comparisons with healthy women, associated with feelings of sadness and inadequacy; (3) being positive, feeling free to disclose all kinds of emotions, religion and spirituality as sources of strength. The paradoxical coexistence of pregnancy and cancer represents a stressful experience for women and their loved ones. Adopting a systemic perspective may be important to understand the effects of such a complex condition, also considering its impact on healthcare workers.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ola Demkowicz ◽  
Neil Humphrey ◽  
Joshua Holmes

Abstract Objectives: We sought to explore the subjective ways that at-risk early adolescent girls experience and make sense of emotional symptoms, characterised by depressive and anxious feelings. Research indicates higher rates of emotional symptoms and disorders among girls and women, and recent evidence indicates increasing prevalence among adolescent girls, warranting exploration of subjective experiences.Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to explore lived experience and sense-making. This approach aims to capture rich, in-depth insight into the way in which a small number of early adolescent girls subjectively understand and experience these types of symptoms. In-depth interviews were conducted with three early adolescent girls who described experiencing emotional symptoms and exposure to multiple sources of possible stress.Findings: Five themes were developed to capture participants’ experiences of symptoms: (a) the nature of symptoms, including differing conceptualisations of symptoms as objectified cognitive entities or an affective state; (b) symptoms are a collective mass that can grow, which can sometimes mean they go beyond one’s control; (c) symptoms as central and dominant in emotions; (d) passive experience of symptoms, whereby participants often considered themselves passive within occurrence and resolution of their symptoms; and (e) grappling with symptoms in relation to the self, which captures the separation participants created these feelings and their core identities. Conclusions: Early adolescent girls can experience symptoms as intense and at times uncontrollable, and may find it difficult to align these difficulties with their sense of self. It may be therapeutically valuable to support this group in understanding and making sense of these thoughts and feelings in order to facilitate a greater sense of control.


2021 ◽  
pp. 174239532098788
Author(s):  
Sara J MacLennan ◽  
Thomas Cox ◽  
Sarah Murdoch ◽  
Virginia Eatough

Objective Work is an important aspect of everyday life. This remains true for those living with and beyond cancer. Less is known about how the meaning of work may change over the cancer journey, the needs of the individual in response to changes and how healthcare professionals and employing organisations can meet these needs. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of work after treatment for breast cancer in a group of professional working women within the UK. Methods This article presents an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of the experiences of 15 professional women diagnosed with breast cancer. Results We discuss these women’s journey from (1) rethinking the meaning of work to (2) making decisions about work ability and advice on work to (3) transitioning back in to the workplace and the value of continued engagement with employer. Discussion The findings from this study demonstrate the complex interplay between living with cancer, treatment decisions and work. This study highlights two key areas for inclusion in practice: (1) support from Healthcare Professionals and judgements of functional ability and work ability and (2) the role of line managers in managing cancer and work.


2020 ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
Arista Apriani ◽  
M Mufdlilah ◽  
Menik Sri Daryanti

ABSTRAK GDM dapat berpotensi menimbulkan komplikasi serius yang dapat mengakibatkan risiko kesehatan jangka pendek dan jangka panjang bagi ibu dan bayinya. diagnosis GDM menimbulkan efek emosional yang negatif. Persepsi ibu hamil tentang GDM dapat memengaruhi perubahan gaya hidup. Garis pertama penatalaksanaan DMG yaitu dengan perubahan gaya hidup. Tujuan menggali secara mendalam kebutuhan ibu dengan diagnosis diabetes melitus gestasional. Metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan  fenomenologi. Lokasi di Kabupaten Karanganyar yaitu Puskesmas Jaten I, Puskesmas Matesih dan RSUD Kabupaten Karanganyar, pada bulan Oktober 2019 - Januari 2020. Sampel secara criterion sampling Pengumpulan data dengan semistructure interview dengan one on one interview. Uji Keabsahan Data dengan Credibility pada penelitian ini menggunakan strategi validitas triangulasi, Tranferability, Dependability, Confirmability. Analisis data dengan Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Hasil penelitian kebutuhan ibu hamil dengan DMG teridentifikasi empat tema, yaitu dukungan keluarga dalam hal mengontrol pola makan, mengatarkan periksa ke tenaga kesehatan, dan mengingatkan untuk aktifitas olah raga. Dukungan sosial, yaitu cara mengontrol gula darah. Dukungan tenaga kesehatan, yaitu saran dan motivasi untuk mengontrol gula darah. Informasi mendapat saran atau perawatan DMG dalam kehamilan adalah dari tenaga kesehatan yaitu bidan, dokter, serta selain tenaga kesehatan dari teman dan internet. Kesimpulannya kebutuhan ibu hamil dengan DMG teridentifikasi empat tema, yaitu dukungan keluarga, dukungan sosial, dukungan tenaga kesehatan dan informasi.   Kata kunci: diabetes melitus gestasional, kehamilan, kebutuhan.   ABSTRACT GDM can overcome serious problems that can overcome short-term and long-term health problems for mother and baby. a diagnosis of GDM has a negative emotional effect. Pregnant women 's perception of GDM can affect lifestyle changes. The first line of management of DMG is lifestyle changes. Diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus. Qualitative research methods by studying phenomenology. Locations in Karanganyar Regency are Jaten I Health Center, Matesih Health Center and Karanganyar District Public Hospital, in October 2019 - January 2020. Sample sampling criteria Data collection by semi-structured interviews with one-on-one interviews. Data Validity Test with Credibility in this study using the triangulation validity strategy, Transparency, Dependability, Confirmability. Data analysis with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The results of the study of the needs of pregnant women with DMG identified four themes, namely supporting the family in terms of controlling diet, sending check to health workers, and reminding for sports activities. Social support, which is a way to control blood sugar. Support of Health Workers, namely advice and motivation to control blood sugar. The information obtained from DMG advice or treatment in the assessment is from health workers, namely midwives, doctors, and also health workers from friends and the internet. In conclusion, the needs of pregnant women with DMG identified four themes, namely family support, social support, support of health workers and information.  


2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382110166
Author(s):  
Alessia Martina Trenta ◽  
Davide Ausili ◽  
Rosario Caruso ◽  
Cristina Arrigoni ◽  
Massimo Moro ◽  
...  

This study aimed to explore lived experience of patients with heart failure (HF) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study was conducted using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Data collection performed in March-May 2020, using in-depth, semi-structured interviews on a purposive sample. Data were analyzed according to the IPA methodology, and triangulation, bracketing, journaling, and member checking were used to assure rigor. 14 patients with HF were enrolled, and three main themes described their lived experience during the COVID-19 pandemic: Vulnerability, Hanging in the balance, and Coping strategies. These people felt particularly vulnerable to the novel virus and experienced uncertainty due to hospital organization changes. Because of this, they felt like they were hanging in the balance, experiencing various negative feelings. Nevertheless, they managed to deal with this challenging situation by implementing some peculiar coping strategies. The COVID-19 represents a significant challenge for patients with HF, impacting significantly on their lives.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089202062110038
Author(s):  
Lucy Lindley

This study aimed to explore how educational leaders in England experience and promote their own well-being. To address this, five semi-structured interviews were carried out with educational leaders who expressed that they had personally experienced high levels of well-being. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), four themes were identified, which highlighted that well-being is a subjective experience (‘there’s no blueprint’); that high levels of well-being are commonly described as feeling balanced (‘maintain a balance’); that well-being is perceived as a personal responsibility (‘you’ve got to find ways to manage that’); and that participants were leading by example in relation to well-being (‘be a well-being supermodel’). Overall, this study emphasised that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to well-being, so educational leaders (and their colleagues) should be given space and personal autonomy to work out what works for them.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenka Jedličková ◽  
Michal Müller ◽  
Dagmar Halová ◽  
Tereza Cserge

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a complete guide to a qualitative method for capturing critical moments of managerial practice that combines interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and existential hermeneutic phenomenology (EHP).Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on the findings of extensive research and describes in detail the specific steps that must be taken for complete replication of research. The research uses methods of IPA and critically develops the EHP framework with an emphasis on the analysis of interpersonal relationships.FindingsDepending on the testing of the research method in practice, the article evaluates the IPA-EHP method as suitable for the research on critical moments of managerial lived experience, considering the causes of the crisis.Originality/valueThis article is based on demand from academics who would like to use this method to analyse managerial practice. Especially now, at a time associated with a number of challenging events, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, qualitative research is gaining in importance, even in management science. The original interpretative framework based on the phenomenology of Fink and Patočka is appropriate in this respect.


2022 ◽  
pp. 1486-1508
Author(s):  
Shyamani Hettiarachchi ◽  
Gopi Kitnasamy ◽  
Dilani Gopi ◽  
Fathima Shamra Nizar

Sibling relationships are complex and unique, often spanning a range of deep emotions. The experiences of children with disabilities and their siblings are arguably seldom documented, particularly in the Global South. The aim of this chapter was to uncover the narratives of young children with disabilities and their siblings in Sri Lanka. Ten dyads of children with disabilities and their siblings and one quartet of siblings were included in this study. Opportunities were offered to the participants to engage in conversation aided by kinetic family drawings. An interview guide was used to support this process. The participant data were analyzed through the lens of the “lived experience” of family dynamics in the tradition of interpretative phenomenological analysis. This chapter will discuss the two complex broad themes of a surrogate parenting role and normative sibling relationships, which at times converge and at times diverge.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 686-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarína Žiaková ◽  
Juraj Čáp ◽  
Michaela Miertová ◽  
Elena Gurková ◽  
Radka Kurucová

Background: Dignity is a fundamental concept in healthcare. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis have a negative effect on dignity. Understanding of lived experience of dignity in people with multiple sclerosis is crucial to support dignity in practice. Research aim: The aim was to explore the sense of dignity experienced by people with multiple sclerosis. Research design and participants: An interpretative phenomenological analysis design was adopted, using data collected through face-to-face interviews with 14 participants. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the faculty Ethical Committee (No. EC 1828/2016). Findings: Four interconnected superordinate themes emerged from analysis: Loss of a fully-fledged life: Violating the dignity-of-self; To accept and fight: Promoting the dignity-of-self; Contempt and rudeness: Indignity-in-relation; and Those who know and see, help: Promoting dignity-in-relation. The loss of former fully-fledged life has a dramatic impact on integrity and impaired dignity-of-self. Accepting illness and changed identity impaired by multiple sclerosis was the step that the participants considered to be important for reacquiring the sense of dignity. The participants encountered misunderstandings, prejudices, embarrassment, insensitive remarks, labelling, unwillingness and impersonal treatment as indignities. Acceptance of their condition, needed support, the feeling of being part of a group, sensitivity and the sharing of problems had a positive effect on their dignity. Discussion: Continual changes in functional ability threaten an individual’s identity and were experienced as violations of dignity. Based on this, participant’s dignity-of-self was not a moral, but much more existential value. Acceptance of changed identity and fighting spirit were important for restoring their dignity-of-self. The misunderstandings, prejudices and unwillingness had a negative impact on their dignity-in-relation. On the other side, support from others in fighting promoted their dignity-in-relation. Conclusion: Dignity is manifested as a complex phenomenon of lived experience of people with multiple sclerosis and also an umbrella concept for providing good quality of person-centred care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-239
Author(s):  
Errol Ingram ◽  
Pat Dorsett ◽  
Kym Macfarlane

This phenomenological study explored how individual young adults understood their lived experience of acquiring life skills with congenital total blindness (CTB). Four young adults with CTB, and five parents of the young adults, participated in the study. In depth, semi-structured interviews were used to gather information from the research participants. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Five superordinate themes emerged from the IPA: (1) life skills acquisition as ‘a means to an end’, (2) appraising life skills acquisition, (3) acquiring disability-specific skills, (4) reaching adulthood with life skill gaps, and (5) making sense of independence. The findings revealed that the young adults had reached adulthood with significant gaps in their acquisition of basic life skills. This indicates that more needs to be done, to improve the efficacy and meaning of life skill acquisition programmes provided in childhood and adolescence, to young people living with CTB.


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