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Document Type
Dissertation - University Access Only
Award Date
2015
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department / School
Graduate Nursing
First Advisor
MaryLou Mylant
Abstract
According to current literature, cases of radical or spontaneous healings occur occasionally and are underreported. Typically, instances of spontaneous healings are documented as a medical case report, with proof of diagnosis, and evidence that the disease is eradicated. A phenomenological study, rooted in the philosophy of hermeneutics was implemented to discover the lived experience of a radical, unpredicted, or unexpected healing from a life-altering illness. Seven participants were interviewed using open-ended questions to elicit the stories of the healing experience. Major patterns that were explicated from the data are: illness as quantum transformation, creating a healing path, and experiencing the extraordinary. Common themes explored among the stories were focused on listening to one’s inner voice, creating a healing path, reliance on support from family and others, and the occasional mystical encounter. Data analysis revealed a strong suggestion that on the healing path, participants had very distinct ideas about how recommended treatments may harm them or heal them. Often this caused a breakdown in communication and collaboration with health care professionals. This researcher introduces a new conceptual framework called Organic Health Resources (OHR), to describe how people with illnesses begin their quest for healing.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Healing
Sick--Psychology
Critically ill--Psychology
Description
Includes bibliographical references ( pages 124-140)
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
152
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Poor-Bear, Audrey, "The Lived Experience of a Radical, Unexpected or Unpredicted Healing of a Life-Altering Illness" (2015). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1771.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/1771
Rights Statement
