Health within illness: experiences of chronically ill/disabled people.
The concept of health within illness is beginning to gain recognition in nursing. However, there has been little research to explore and describe this phenomenon. The results of a recent study investigating the meaning of the experience of feeling healthy for people living with a chronic illness and/or disability are presented. An interpretive phenomenological study was undertaken with eight participants living with a variety of different chronic conditions. The results provide a rich mosaic of themes describing the participants' health experiences. These themes include: (a) honouring the self; (b) seeking and connecting with others; (c) creating opportunities; (d) celebrating life; (e) transcending the self; and (f) acquiring a state of grace. The significance of these results is that they provide for a reconceptualization of health and illness. Such a reconceptualization calls for a transformation in nursing care, from a problem focus and a deficit perspective, to one which focuses on the client's capacity and the promotion of health and healing.
Lindsey
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School of Nursing, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012067:Religion; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support