This thesis explores the experiences of aging parents caring for adult children with acquired brain injury regarding future care needs. Seven parents representing four adult disabled children, were individually interviewed using the Family Support and Coping Interview. The parents then participated in three groups sessions to discuss the commonality of 'never-ending' parenthood. The parents, who average 70.9 years of age, have been sole caregivers for middle-aged children. Their displaced life cycle responsibilities, their vision of a solution and the need to socially publicize their predicament were major themes requiring advocacy with policy makers and government funders. Research into the care of those who cannot manage independent living is imperative, particularly as social thinking and fiscal policies espouse the benefits of the autonomous family.

Bakgrund: Amyotrofisk lateralskleros är en neurologisk sjukdom som i Sverige drabbar cirka 200 personer varje år. Sjukdomen är progressiv och gör att den drabbade personen förlorar kroppsliga funktioner och avlider oftast inom fem år. Att arbeta med personer som har en dödlig sjukdom kräver inte bara kunskap om sjukdomen utan också om hur personer upplever att leva med sjukdomen. Syfte: Syftet var att beskriva personers upplevelser av att leva med Amyotrofisk lateralskleros. Metod: En allmän litteraturstudie baserad på nio vetenskapliga artiklar genomfördes. Analysen gjordes genom en manifest innehållsanalys. Resultat: Fem kategorier presenterar upplevelserna av att leva med ALS. Dessa benämns En kropp i förändring, Relationer till andra påverkas, Hopp & hopplöshet, Kontroll & kontrollförlust samt Existensen utmanas. Slutsats: Personer som lever med ALS upplever ofta negativa känslor vilket påverkade deras livskvalitet i negativ riktning. Det uppmärksammades i mindre utsträckning även positiva känslor i samband med sjukdomen. För att kunna tillgodose en tillfredställande vård med grund i de individuella upplevelserna finns det behov av mer forskning inom ämnet. Genom mer kunskap om hur sjukdomen upplevs ökar förutsättningarna för personal att möta dem i deras individuella behov och därmed kan individens välbefinnande under sjukdomsförloppet öka. / Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurological disorder and in Sweden it affects about 200 people each year. The disease is progressive and makes the affected person lose bodily functions and usually dies within five years. Working with people who have a terminal illness requires not only knowledge of the disease, but also about how people experience living with the disease. Objective: The objective was to describe people's experiences of living with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Method: A general literature review based on nine scientific articles was conducted. The analysis was done by a manifest content analysis. Results: Five categories presents the experiences of living with ALS. These are called A body in change, Relationships with others are affected, Hope & hopelessness, Control & loss of control and The existence challenged. Conclusion: People living with ALS often experience negative emotions which affected their quality of lifein a negative direction. Positive emotions associated with the disease was noticed in a lesser extent. To be able to reach a satisfactory care with basis in the individual experiences, there is a need for more research on the subject. More knowledge about how the disease is experienced increase the chances for the staff to meet them in their individual needsand therefore, the individual's well-being during the disease progression increase.

High levels of HIV stigma are reported for people living with HIV or AIDS (PLHA) and PLHA have to cope with this. These experiences may differ in a rural and urban setting. Obtaining a true reflection of the level of HIV stigma experienced by PLHA in a rural and urban setting and their level of coping self-efficacy, while dealing with this stigma, will be helpful in planning future intervention strategies. The study aims to compare qualitative expressed experiences with quantitative measures of levels of HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in a rural and urban setting. Secondly the aim is to establish the relationship between the levels of HIV stigma experiences of PLHA and coping self-efficacy of PLHA. The study took place in the North West Province, in both a rural (n=12) and urban (n=11) setting. Participants were selected by means of purposive sampling. A convergent parallel design was used within a mixed method approach. In-depth interviews provided qualitative data. Quantitative data came from two scales, the HIV and AIDS stigma scale-PLWA (HASI-P) (Holzemer et al., 2007a) and the Coping self-efficacy scale (CSE) (Chesney, Neilands, Chambers, Taylor, & Folkman, 2006). The study revealed that HIV stigma does exist, and is experienced by PLHA in the North West province in both a rural and an urban setting with no significant difference. Qualitative data confirmed the results of the HIV stigma measure, and also provided a rich understanding of the differences in contexts between the two settings. Additional types of stigma found to those included in the HASI-P point to shifts in the way people and communities experience HIV stigma. Results of the CSE scale showed that PLHA from both rural and urban settings employed the three types of coping self-efficacy as described by Chesney et al. (2006), with no significant difference between the two groups. Statistical correlations within the HASI-P revealed correlations between certain types of stigma experienced, indicating that HIV stigma is not experienced in a single dimension but can extend to more than one area of the lives of PLHA. Correlations within the CSE scale illustrate that ways PLHA cope may be related to each other Recommendations focus on further research options, policy development and implementation in practice. The goals of the research were reached in that it was confirmed that HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in rural and urban settings, using qualitative and quantitative methods, does exist. The relationship between HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA was established through the correlation of scales and through the evidence found during in-depth interviews; that HIV stigma exists and that PLHA develop coping self-efficacy to deal with it. / Thesis (MA (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

High levels of HIV stigma are reported for people living with HIV or AIDS (PLHA) and PLHA have to cope with this. These experiences may differ in a rural and urban setting. Obtaining a true reflection of the level of HIV stigma experienced by PLHA in a rural and urban setting and their level of coping self-efficacy, while dealing with this stigma, will be helpful in planning future intervention strategies. The study aims to compare qualitative expressed experiences with quantitative measures of levels of HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in a rural and urban setting. Secondly the aim is to establish the relationship between the levels of HIV stigma experiences of PLHA and coping self-efficacy of PLHA. The study took place in the North West Province, in both a rural (n=12) and urban (n=11) setting. Participants were selected by means of purposive sampling. A convergent parallel design was used within a mixed method approach. In-depth interviews provided qualitative data. Quantitative data came from two scales, the HIV and AIDS stigma scale-PLWA (HASI-P) (Holzemer et al., 2007a) and the Coping self-efficacy scale (CSE) (Chesney, Neilands, Chambers, Taylor, & Folkman, 2006). The study revealed that HIV stigma does exist, and is experienced by PLHA in the North West province in both a rural and an urban setting with no significant difference. Qualitative data confirmed the results of the HIV stigma measure, and also provided a rich understanding of the differences in contexts between the two settings. Additional types of stigma found to those included in the HASI-P point to shifts in the way people and communities experience HIV stigma. Results of the CSE scale showed that PLHA from both rural and urban settings employed the three types of coping self-efficacy as described by Chesney et al. (2006), with no significant difference between the two groups. Statistical correlations within the HASI-P revealed correlations between certain types of stigma experienced, indicating that HIV stigma is not experienced in a single dimension but can extend to more than one area of the lives of PLHA. Correlations within the CSE scale illustrate that ways PLHA cope may be related to each other Recommendations focus on further research options, policy development and implementation in practice. The goals of the research were reached in that it was confirmed that HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in rural and urban settings, using qualitative and quantitative methods, does exist. The relationship between HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA was established through the correlation of scales and through the evidence found during in-depth interviews; that HIV stigma exists and that PLHA develop coping self-efficacy to deal with it. / Thesis (MA (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

It is presently a general conception that marriages are fast going out of fashion. This tendency is blamed on the high divorce rate all over the world. It is also believed that marriages are not the only accepted ways of having relationships. In order to counsel couples effectively in marriage therapy, the basic building blocks of a marriage have to be kept in mind. The current pre-marital counselling programs are lacking in their ability to create stronger marriages. The following encompassing research question arose: How can emotional oneness concerning newlyweds be improved through the following Scriptural guidelines for leaving of parents (Gen 2:24), cleaving (Gen 2:24) and becoming one (Gen 2:24)? The methodology used was as follows: In Chapter 2, basic-theoretical perspectives were formulated on how the Word of God explains the importance of leaving, cleaving and becoming one in the process of becoming emotionally one. The basic-theoretical perspectives were constructed based upon detailed exegesis of Genesis 2:24, as well as cursory exegesis of other relevant passages. In Chapter 3, meta-theoretical perspectives were formulated by making use of a literature study of the associated disciplines of Physiology, Psychology, Sociology and Law, with specific reference to emotions and marriage itself. An empirical study indicated that there is a real necessity for a good descriptive definition of emotional oneness. In Chapter 4, practical-theoretical guidelines were given as a result of the hermeneutical interaction between the basic-theoretical principles and the metatheoretical perspectives. Five practical guidelines were formulated to characterize an emotional oneness marriage. In Chapter 5, the researcher finally concludes that the process of leaving, cleaving and becoming one is a continuous process. It is only possible through the help of the Holy Spirit and where both newlyweds are willing to work on their marriage. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

No description available.

Bakgrund: Amyotrofisk lateralskleros är en neurologisk sjukdom som drabbar kroppens motoriska nervceller och leder till en försvagning av kroppens muskler. I Sverige drabbas årligen ca 200 personer av ALS. Sjukdomen är obotlig och den drabbade avlider oftast inom tre år efter sjukdomens debut. Syfte: Syftet var att beskriva personers upplevelser av att leva med ALS. Metod: En allmän litteraturstudie baserad på 12 vetenskapliga artiklar. Resultat: Två huvudkategorier bildades; oro och ångest över att leva med en obotlig sjukdom; att finna mening i livet trots sjukdomen. Slutsats: Personer med sjukdomen ALS upplever i större utsträckning känslor av sorg, oro och skuld, vilket mer eller mindre påverkar deras livskvalitet på ett negativt sätt. Sjuksköterskans uppgift är att vara öppensinnad, observant och lyhörd i mötet med personer som är i behov av fysisk såväl som psykisk omvårdnad varpå behovet av kunskap inom ämnet ökar i samband med personernas individuella behov. Mer ämnesrelaterad forskning, exempelvis i form av intervjuer med åldersgrupperade patienter, hade bidragit till djupare kunskaper om personernas egna upplevelser kring sjukdomen. Resultatet av vidare forskning kommer att bidra till bättre förutsättningar för sjuksköterskan att vårda denna patientgrupp, och kan således bidra till att personer med ALS får ett bättre liv. / Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurological disorder that affects the body’s motor nerve cells and leads to a progressive weakening of the muscles. In Sweden, about 200 people are diagnosed with ALS annually. Patients usually die of this incurable disease within three years of onset. Purpose: The aim was to describe people’s experiences of living with ALS. Method: A literature review based on 12 scientific articles. Results: Two main categories were identified; worry and anxiety over living with an incurable disease; finding meaning in life despite the disease. Conclusion: People with ALS experience sadness, anxiety and guilt; this frequently has a negative impact upon the patient’s quality of life. The nurse’s role is to be open-minded, observant and responsive in meeting people who are in need of physical and mental nursing whereupon the need for knowledge of the subject increases with the individual’s needs. Further research, perhaps by interviewing ALS patients related to age, will lead to a deeper knowledge of the individual’s personal experiences surrounding the disease. The result of such further research will contribute better conditions for the nurse to care for this patient group, which may help people with ALS to a better life.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 13, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Bakgrund: Bipolär sjukdom innebär att den som drabbas växlar mellan förändringar i sin aktivitetsnivå i form av depression, mani eller hypomani. Sjukdomen medför svåra prövningar och utmaningar för den som som drabbas såväl som för dennes anhöriga. För att sjuksköterskor ska kunna vägleda och ge god omvårdnad till personer med bipolär sjukdom, behövs en ökad förståelse om dennes livsvärld.  Syfte: Syftet med litteraturstudien var att beskriva personers erfarenheter av att leva med bipolär sjukdom och att beskriva de inkluderade artiklarnas datainsamlingsmetoder.Metod: Litteraturstudien har en deskriptiv design. Datainsamlingen skedde via databaserna PubMed och PsycINFO och resulterade i tio kvalitativa artiklar till litteraturstudiens resultat. Huvudresultat: Resultatet visade att personer som lever med bipolär sjukdom beskrev sina erfarenheter av att få diagnosen som en omtumlande tid med svårigheter att acceptera diagnosen och erfarenheter av stigmatisering. Personerna beskrev att sjukdomen påverkade livet genom en känsla av förlorad autonomi, begränsningar och förändrad identitet. Hantering av sjukdomen skedde genom en god struktur, skapa medvetenhet om varningssignaler, triggers och behovet av stöd. Intervjuer som datainsamlingsmetod användes i majoriteten av artiklarna. Slutsats: Att leva med bipolär sjukdom kan innebära olika svårigheter för den som drabbas. Det är av stor vikt att personer som lever med bipolär sjukdom får stöd och hjälp att veta hur de ska hantera det föränderliga sjukdomsförloppet och undvika uppkomst av nya skov. Att som sjuksköterska få kunskaper om hur personers erfarenheter av att leva med bipolär sjukdom, underlättar för att förstå hur vården runt dessa personer kan utformas på bästa möjliga sätt. / Background: Having a bipolar disorder means to live with changes in the level of activity in the form of depression, mania or hypomania. The disease leads to difficulties and challenges for those affected as well as their families. To be able to guide and give good care to a person with bipolar disorder, the nurse has to have a good understanding of their situation. Aim: The aim of this review was to describe peoples experiences of living with bipolar disorder and to describe the methods of data collection in the included studies. Method: This review has a descriptive design. The data bases PubMed and PsycINFO were used to collect the data, which resulted in ten qualitative studies for this review. Main result: People with bipolar disorder describe their experiences of getting the diagnosis as a turbulent time with difficulties to accept the diagnosis. Stigma was experienced. They described an effect on life as feelings of lost autonomy, limitations and a change of identity. A good daily structure, awareness of signs of warning, triggers and the need of support were important to cope with the disease. Interviews were mostly used as a method of collecting data in the included studies. Conclusion: To live with a bipolar disorder means difficulties. It is important for people with bipolar disorder to receive support and to know how to handle the changing course of the disease to avoid a new episode. Nurses need knowledge about people’s experiences of having a bipolar disorder to be able to give the best possible care.

Bakgrund: Epidemiologiska studier har visat att hjärtsvikt ökat över hela västvärlden. En ökning av antalet patienter med hjärtsvikt, kan innebära ökade krav på vården och vårdpersonalen. Det har framstått som nödvändigt att utbilda all vårdpersonal, framför allt sjuksköterskor och distriktsköterskor inom äldreomsorgen, i omvårdnad av patienter med kronisk hjärtsvikt då patienter som drabbas av försämring är i stort behov av stöd. Syfte: Syftet var att belysa patienters upplevelser av att leva med kronisk hjärtsvikt. Metod: Studien som utfördes var en litteraturöversikt, enligt Friberg (2012), innehållandes åtta vetenskapliga studier av kvalitativ design. Datainsamling har skett via Pub Med och CINAHL Complete. Resultat: I resultatet identifierades tre huvudteman med sju underteman. Det första huvudtemat var: Upplevelser av förändringar i livssituationen med följande tre underteman: Att leva med begränsningar, Rädsla inför framtiden och Upplevelser av ensamhet. Det andra huvudtemat var: Erfarenheter av symtom och sjukvård med följande två underteman: Symtom i det dagliga livet och Erfarenheter av sjukvården. Det tredje huvudtemat var: Strategier för att underlätta livet med hjärtsvikt med följande två underteman: Anpassning och Betydelsen av socialt stöd. Diskussion: I resultatdiskussionen belyses upplevelser hos personer med hjärtsvikt i förhållande till Roys adaptionsmodell. Personer med hjärtsvikt har beskrivit olika upplevelser av sjukdomen, de flesta rörande anpassning till den nya livssituationen efter diagnosen. / Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that heart failure have increased all over the western world. An increase in the number of patients with heart failure can entail an increase in the demands on the healthcare system and healthcare personnel. It have shown to be necessary to educate all health care personnel, especially nurses and district nurses active in elderly care, in how to care for patients with chronic heart failure since when the patients deteriorate they are in great need of support. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to enlighten patients experiences of living with heart failure. Method: The conducted study was a literature review, according to Friberg (2012), containing eight scientific studies of qualitative design. Collection of data have been via PubMed and CINAHL Complete  Results: The result identified three main themes with seven sub themes. The first main theme was: Experiences of changes in the life situation with the three following sub themes: Living with limitations, Fear of the future and Experiences of loneliness. The second main theme was: Experiences of symptoms and health care with the two following sub themes: Symptoms in daily life and Experiences of health care. The third main theme was: Strategies to facilitate life with heart failure with the two following sub themes: Adaptation and The importance of social support. Discussion: The result discussion enlightens the experiences of people with heart failure in relation to Roys adaptation model. People with heart failure have described different experiences of the illness, most of them involving adapting to the new life situation after the diagnosis.