Sources of "relational homes": a qualitative study of cancer survivors’ perceptions of emotional support

The aim of this article is to shed light on the different ways in which a group of Danish cancer survivors fulfil their need of emotional support. The study comprised participant observation at a Danish cancer rehabilitation centre, individual semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews wi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mental health, religion & culture
Main Author: Hvidt, Elisabeth Assing (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Taylor & Francis 2013
In: Mental health, religion & culture
Further subjects:B Phenomenology
B cancer rehabilitation
B Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
B survivor distress
B Trauma
B Emotional support
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:The aim of this article is to shed light on the different ways in which a group of Danish cancer survivors fulfil their need of emotional support. The study comprised participant observation at a Danish cancer rehabilitation centre, individual semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews with course participants. The analytical process combined the inductive approach of interpretative phenomenological analysis with a deductive theoretical strategy. Key concepts from Robert D. Stolorow's existential-phenomenological trauma theory were used as interpretative framework. Findings suggest that cancer survivors’ perception of emotional support is captured by the theoretical concept a "relational home," understood here as a supportive and caring environment. A relational home may include different dimensions in various situations and contexts, including an existential and metaphysical dimension in which God/a higher power may provide emotional support similar to that obtained in human relationships.
ISSN:1469-9737
Contains:Enthalten in: Mental health, religion & culture
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2012.708652