The power within illness : uncovering the essence of transformation through the experience of illness
Date
2017-04-27
Authors
Spencer-Benson, Frances Marylou
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Research in the field of mind/body/spirit/mental connection is extensive. However very
few studies have focused on the persons who have survived a life-threatening critical
illness and the way in which they redefine beliefs, values and their world view.
Recognition of the transformation that occurs following such a crisis is an important
contribution toward understanding all facets of the connectedness that exists between
our mind, our body, our spirit, our mental/’emotional state and healing. This study will
consider the question “What kind of transformation occurs for some who experience
critical Illness?”
Transformation means starting with one thing and ending up with another. This study
reveals the inner world of eight participants (co-searchers) who experienced a medical
crisis and found their inner world transformed. A clear view of the road taken by the
participants is elucidated following a heuristic path requiring the researcher to interview
to the point of saturation. The criterion for a heuristic study has been met.
Relevant literature pertaining to the changing worldview of professionals working within
the area of wellness from Grecian times to the present is considered. Some qualitative
methods available to researchers are explored.
This study can contribute to modification and/or expansion of existing health care
programs to include the person in the situation. Credible evidence is presented to
support the importance of acknowledging the positive aspects within illnesses that can
be offered within a variety of health related disciplines: psychology, counseling, nursing,
and religious studies, social work and health care providers.
The nature of heuristic research is to merge the participants and the investigator. The
co-searchers and the investigator reveal their understanding of those things that existed
only in an innate dimension prior to illness. As a result of their experience, the
researcher and the co-searchers present a rich plethora of changed perspectives they
identify as transformative revealing the power illness offers us to reevaluate our
personal actions impacting those around us as our worldview expands. This study is not
meant to query who lives and who dies, for death ultimately claims us all.
Description
Keywords
Healing, Mind and body, Sick