This exploratory study examined the phenomenon of loss as expressed by the spouses of myocardial infarction patients. The purpose of the study was to describe the thoughts, feelings, actions and observable behaviours of the spouses from the initial impact of illness to six weeks post myocardial infarction and to develop a framework, based on the literature, which related the concept of loss to the experience of spouses of M.I. patients. The study was conducted with a convenience sample of 12 spouses, ten women and two men, whose partners had experienced their first myocardial infarction. Using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions, the investigator interviewed each subject four times over a six week period; from the initial impact of illness to approximately six weeks post myocardial infarction. Each interview covered three content areas: thoughts, feelings and actions. Broad open-ended questions were used to elicit data on the spouses thoughts, feelings and actions. During the interview the investigator observed the verbal (type, quality, characteristics of speech, focus of conversation) and non-verbal (activity, eye contact, body language, appearance) behaviours of the spouses. An empirical inductive approach was used as the methodology for this study. Data coding and analysis were approached using the constant comparative method, an inductive method of discovering grounded theory developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967). The findings revealed that the spouses experienced behaviours in response to loss that were common and formed a pattern through time. Three distinct phases were identified: Phase I The Event and Initial Spousal Response; Phase II Reaction to the Event; Phase III Impact of the Event. The phases were described further in light of the constructs formulated from the literature review: (1) Reactions to Loss; (2) The Elements of Loss; (3) The Meaning of Loss. This study was designed to provide insight into understanding the event of a myocardial infarction within the context of the phenomenon of loss. The findings supported the use of a loss framework for assessing the reactions of spouses who are threatened with the death of their partner. Nurses are in a critical position to assist spouses experiencing loss. Implications and recommendations for nursing education, practice and research were delineated in light of the conclusions of the present study. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Nursing, School of / Graduate

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The disabling conditions of chronic low-back pain continue to cost patient, family, and society. The intricate mechanisms which perpetuate this medical condition often consist of both organic and functional factors. This study evaluated personality and psychosocial variables which may control individual responses to facet denervation, a treatment for chronic lumbar distress. The subjects were 47 chronic pain patients whose symptoms conformed to the facet syndrome. Patient responses to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire were reviewed in an effort to predict statistically symptomatic relief. Also, the patients' involvement in litigation and their accuracy in determining their pain level were studied as possible influencing variables. Results show the litigation factor and two scalesof the MMPI to be most useful in predicting patient response from facet denervation treatment.

This research study was designed to investigate the relationships of imagery, self-concept, anxiety, stress, subjective stress and seriousness of illness and to determine the potential of certain cognitive mediating variables, especially imagery and an interaction between self-concept and imagery, to significantly increase the efficiency of stress as a predictor of seriousness of illness. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the efficiency of stress as a predictor of disease, (2) to determine if cognitive mediating variables will significantly increase the predictive efficiency between stress and disease, (3) to investigate selected correlations among the variables, (4) to provide a research base for current treatment procedures using imagery treating various illnesses.

This study aimed at exploring chronic illness from both the perspectives of the patient, living with the illness and the professional, treating the illness. The epistemological framework is social constructionism. Qualitative research was selected as the research approach. Three in-depth interviews with three patients, suffering with a chronic illness were conducted, as well as three interviews with professionals, who had experience with patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Thematic analysis was the method used for the analysis of data. The stories of the participants were reconstructed in terms of themes. A comparative analysis for both participants groups was done, and linked to the relevant literature This study created an understanding of the complexity of chronic illness. The themes identified, highlighted the importance of the patient-professional relationship, specifically in the context of chronic illness. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

This study aimed at exploring chronic illness from both the perspectives of the patient, living with the illness and the professional, treating the illness. The epistemological framework is social constructionism. Qualitative research was selected as the research approach. Three in-depth interviews with three patients, suffering with a chronic illness were conducted, as well as three interviews with professionals, who had experience with patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Thematic analysis was the method used for the analysis of data. The stories of the participants were reconstructed in terms of themes. A comparative analysis for both participants groups was done, and linked to the relevant literature This study created an understanding of the complexity of chronic illness. The themes identified, highlighted the importance of the patient-professional relationship, specifically in the context of chronic illness. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)