PATTERN RECOGNITION IN OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS (ELDERLY).
Contributors: Boston College.
Published: 1996
Number of pages: 208
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Gerontology.; Psychology, Cognitive.
Description: This study examined evolving pattern of person-environment interaction for ten participants who were living chronic obstructive lung disease. Newman's (1986, 1994) theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness provided the theoretical framework for this study. Newman's (1994) praxis-research methodology, based upon a hermeneutic dialectic process, was utilized in order to uncover the evolving patterns of the participants. The aims of this study were: (1) to elaborate the evolving pattern of individuals who manifest obstructive lung disease, (2) to uncover common themes within the evolving patterns across such individuals, (3) and to examine the relationship between pattern recognition and evolving consciousness.

The findings from this study supported Newman's assumption concerning the uniqueness of the individual's pattern of person-environment interaction. However, certain reoccurring patterns were identified in two subgroups of the study's participants. The first subgroup of participants consisted of those individuals who manifested patterns of interaction marked by blocked energy flows. These individuals reflected reoccurring patterns of isolation, abandonment, lack of connectedness, and an inability to transcend illness. The second subgroup of participants consisted of those individuals who manifested patterns of interaction marked by open energy flows. These individuals reflected reoccurring patterns of connectedness, making choices, and an ability to transcend illness.

The relationship between pattern recognition and evolving consciousness appeared to be related to an individual's sense of connectedness. The ability to attain or utilize pattern recognition in order to transcend illness was uncovered in those individuals who manifested a sense of connectedness.

Findings from this study supported Newman's theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness and linked the works of Mishel (1988, 1990) and Bowlby (1989) to Newman in order to further explicate the stages of development of consciousness and the meaning of uncertainty of illness in evolving consciousness. Implications for further theoretical development and research were identified, and practice implications were addressed.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-10, Section: B, page: 6180.

Thesis (PH.D.)--BOSTON COLLEGE, 1996.

School code: 0016.