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THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF ADOLESCENTS WITH BURN INJURIES

KISHMAN, MARY CONNELLY
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1085672288

Abstract Details

2004, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Nursing : Nursing, Doctoral Program.
Each year thousands of adolescents suffer burn injuries. Many bear permanent reminders of this trauma such as scars, amputations, and functional limitations. Developmental theories suggest that physical changes can profoundly affect an adolescent as they progress through the complex stage of adolescence. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experience of adolescents with burn injuries following hospitalization. The hermeneutic phenomenological research design of Max van Manen was chosen to explore this phenomenon. This design explores meanings of everyday experiences from the perspective of the individual. Several data sources were used to illuminate the meanings of this phenomenon: 1) personal experiences with the phenomenon, 2) experiential descriptions of those experiencing the phenomenon, 3) experiential descriptions of the phenomenon in literature, art, and other artistic forms, and 4) idiomatic phrases and etymological sources of words used to describe the phenomenon. Eight adolescents were interviewed however only six were fully analyzed, as two adolescents were unable to reveal the meanings of their experiences. Four common themes were uncovered from the interviews. The lived experience of adolescents with burn injuries is 1) an arduous journey of struggles as each individual freely chooses a unique path to a new way of being, 2) making difficult choices as cherished values are re-examined, 3) creating new images to transform the way of being normal, and 4) becoming empowered while rejoicing in accomplishments and abilities. Two participants contributed creative works which also reflected the themes identified in the interviews. Non-narrative data such as creative and literary works further illuminated the meaning of this phenomenon. A second review of the literature found the experiences of adolescents with chronic illness similar to the adolescents with burn injuries. The findings of this study were congruent with Rosemarie R. Parse's, Human Becoming School of Thought (1998). The results of this study may be of interest to nurses, teachers, counselors, coaches, physical therapists, occupational therapists, youth counselors and others interacting with adolescents who have sustained a burn injury.
Dr. Margaret Miller (Advisor)
191 p.
Health Sciences, Nursing
burns; adolescents; quality of life; phenomenology; meanings; normal; burn care professionals; school nurses

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • KISHMAN, M. C. (2004). THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF ADOLESCENTS WITH BURN INJURIES [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1085672288

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • KISHMAN, MARY. THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF ADOLESCENTS WITH BURN INJURIES. 2004. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1085672288.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • KISHMAN, MARY. "THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF ADOLESCENTS WITH BURN INJURIES." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1085672288

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1085672288
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© 2004, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.