A NATURALISTIC STUDY OF THE NATURE, MEANING AND IMPACT OF SUFFERING IN PEOPLE WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (PAIN).
Contributors: University of Texas at Austin.
Published: 1992
Number of pages: 252
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: This study explored the nature, meaning, and impact of suffering from the perspective of persons with rheumatoid arthritis. The causes of suffering and ways that nurses can effectively assist in its relief were also examined.

The naturalistic-inductive paradigm and qualitative methodology were utilized. Data were generated through intensive interviewing, field notes, memos, and sociodemographic data sheets. Purposive and theoretical sampling techniques were employed resulting in 14 study participants. Data were analyzed utilizing principles of grounded theory and constant comparative technique.

Results revealed the basic social psychological problem informants with rheumatoid arthritis shared was the disintegration of self. Suffering occurred subsequent to numerous changes and losses resulting from the effects of the rheumatoid arthritis. Data revealed a social psychological process of suffering occurred consisting of three phases, disintegration of self, the shattered self, and reconstruction of self. During the disintegration phase, informants were suddenly confronted with their illness, many times "Out of the Blue" and expressed intense fear of becoming a cripple.

The second phase of the shattered self deals with the informants' experience of suffering, including pain, mental anguish, activity limitation, and exhaustion. The final phase was reconstruction of self involved getting a mind set, diminishing of personal suffering, overcoming hopelessness, and accepting.

Potentiating factors of suffering were identified as stress, emotional upset, and physical exertion. Social encouragement was identified as a mitigating factor. The informants' differentiation between pain and suffering was also examined. Nursing interventions effective in the alleviation of suffering were empathy, attitude, and comfort measures.

Impact and meaning attributed to suffering was explored. The impact of suffering resulted in struggling, lost dreams, restricted future orientation and withdrawal. Finding meaning through positive life changes such as altered life trajectory with reevaluation, increased sensitivity and spiritual growth was an outcome of suffering.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-12, Section: B, page: 6220.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, 1992.

School code: 0227.