There is growing policy, practice, and research interest in reducing the treatment gap for adolescent depression in low- and middle-income countries, where 90% of the world's adolescents live. ...Despite increased efforts for adolescent depression services in these settings, there is a risk that services will not be utilized if initiatives are not culturally compelling. Therefore, we propose three considerations for culturally compelling programs and examine how these considerations can be defined using anthropological theories and methods. Consideration 1: public health problems are locally prioritized; Consideration 2: mechanisms of change are locally identified; Consideration 3: programs can be implemented by locally identified actors and institutions. We employed the anthropological concept of ethnotheories of adolescent development to elicit information for culturally compelling interventions using qualitative methods in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 2018 to November 2019. Participants included 13 teachers, 12 social workers, 11 mental health specialists, six health workers, four policy makers, and three parents. Transcripts were analyzed by three researchers using a framework approach (inter-rater reliability = 0.7). For the first consideration, locally defined adolescent mental health problems were aggression, irritability, poor academic performance, substance use, sexual behavior, and social withdrawal/isolation. For the second consideration, perceived mechanisms of change were providing protection from abuse, economic assistance, high-quality schooling, guidance from religious institutions, and emotional support. For the third consideration, key stakeholders were parents, religious leaders, teachers, and peers, with religious institutions and schools as key sites for services. Therefore, rather than be limited to an exclusive focus on interventions for clinical symptoms of depression delivered by mental health specialists in clinical settings, a culturally compelling intervention portfolio for adolescent depression would focus on these locally identified concerns and strategies. This research demonstrates how elucidation of stakeholders' perspectives of symptoms, supports, and structural factors can shape development of culturally compelling mental health initiatives.
•Medical anthropology ethnotheories can inform culturally compelling mental health interventions.•Culturally compelling interventions for adolescent depression need locally identified strategies.•Nigerian adults identify aggression and substance use among key risks for adolescent depression.•To prevent adolescent depression, stakeholders recommend strategies to reduce abuse and maltreatment, improve economic assistance, and provide religious guidance.
In this study, in order to improve the interface between the carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) and polyurethane/epoxy resin IPNs matrix, we prepared a novel magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) containing ...polyaniline (PANI)-modified CIPs. Particles characterization results illustrate the changes of morphology, surface functional property, magnetic property and surface absorption behavior between the pure CIPs and PANI-modified CIPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows enhanced interfacial interaction of MRE. The test results of rheometer indicate that the MRE sample with PANI-modified CIPs exhibit larger storage modulus, smaller loss factor, and lower magnitude of Payne effect. The results also revealed that the MR performances, including the field-induced storage modulus and the storage modulus sensitivity, have also been promoted by improving the interfacial interaction between the CIPs and matrix. In addition, a modified phenomenological model is adopted to determine the influencing mechanism of Payne effect. The influences of interfacial interactions and magnetic field on the quantitative fitting parameters are discussed, and a relevant physical mechanism is proposed to qualitatively explain the mechanism.
ABSTRACT
Aims
To offer a complete outlook in a readable easy way of van Manen's hermeneutic‐phenomenological method to nurses interested in undertaking phenomenological research.
Background
...Phenomenology, as research methodology, involves a certain degree of complexity. It is difficult to identify a single article or author which sets out the didactic guidelines that specifically guide research of this kind. In this context, the theoretical‐practical view of Max van Manen's Phenomenology of Practice may be seen as a rigorous guide and directive on which researchers may find support to undertake phenomenological research.
Design
Discussion paper.
Data sources
This discussion paper is based on our own experiences and supported by literature and theory. Our central sources of data have been the books and writings of Max van Manen and his website “Phenomenologyonline”.
Implications for nursing
The principal methods of the hermeneutic‐phenomenological method are addressed and explained providing an enriching overview of phenomenology of practice. A proposal is made for the way the suggestions made by van Manen might be organized for use with the methods involved in Phenomenology of Practice: Social sciences, philosophical and philological methods. Thereby, nurse researchers interested in conducting phenomenological research may find a global outlook and support to understand and conduct this type of inquiry which draws on the art.
Conclusion
The approach in this article may help nurse scholars and researchers reach an overall, encompassing perspective of the main methods and activities involved in doing phenomenological research. Nurses interested in doing phenomenology of practice are expected to commit with reflection and writing.
A fundamental aspect of the three-body problem is its stability. Most stability studies have focused on the co-planar three-body problem, deriving analytic criteria for the dynamical stability of ...such pro/retrograde systems. Numerical studies of inclined systems phenomenologically mapped their stability regions, but neither complement it by theoretical framework, nor provided satisfactory fit for their dependence on mutual inclinations. Here we present a novel approach to study the stability of hierarchical three-body systems at arbitrary inclinations, which accounts not only for the instantaneous stability of such systems, but also for the secular stability and evolution through Lidov-Kozai cycles and evection. We generalize the Hill-stability criteria to arbitrarily inclined triple systems, explain the existence of quasi-stable regimes and characterize the inclination dependence of their stability. We complement the analytic treatment with an extensive numerical study, to test our analytic results. We find excellent correspondence up to high inclinations (~120 degree ), beyond which the agreement is marginal. At such high inclinations, the stability radius is larger, the ratio between the outer and inner periods becomes comparable and our secular averaging approach is no longer strictly valid. We therefore combine our analytic results with polynomial fits to the numerical results to obtain a generalized stability formula for triple systems at arbitrary inclinations. Besides providing a generalized secular-based physical explanation for the stability of non-co-planar systems, our results have direct implications for any triple systems and, in particular, binary planets and moon/satellite systems; we briefly discuss the latter as a test case for our models.
To discuss how Husserl's descriptive phenomenology, as a philosophy and approach, has been used and reported in researching the experiences of others, using the topic of foreign-trained nurses.
...Discussion paper.
A systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, SCOPUS, British Nursing Database and PsycInfo was carried out in December 2021. The inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed phenomenological research articles, grounded by Husserl's philosophy, conducted among foreign-trained nurses and published in English from 2000 to 2021.
Two main themes were the outcome of critically reviewing relevant selected literature, 'referring to the original philosophy is not enough' and 'phenomenological findings need to be phenomenological'. These findings confirm some arguments about nurse researchers' discrepant use of phenomenology in their studies, including the proper application of phenomenological notions on the ground.
Nurse researchers need to clearly distinguish between phenomenology and other qualitative research approaches and consider the uniqueness of philosophical underpinnings that are essential in Husserl's phenomenology, which also need to be clearly applied and reflected in their studies.
There are continually existing discrepancies and variations in using phenomenology by nurse researchers. These variations were uniquely evident when nurse researchers could not provide enough philosophical grounds and assumptions to their studies and underestimated the need to keep up with the various applications of Husserl's phenomenological notions, including the proper practice of phenomenological attitude. Therefore, it is recommended that nurse researchers should opt for different, less complex qualitative approaches if they do not adequately prepare and understand what constitutes phenomenology and the particulars of Husserl's philosophy.
What problem did the study address? Phenomenology remains popular in nursing. However, it can confuse nurse researchers and may result in an improper understanding of its core concepts. The use of phenomenology in nursing has been criticized over the years with nurse researchers being accused of conducting phenomenological research inconsistent with the original philosophy. What were the main findings? Using phenomenology by nurse researchers is various and includes some discrepancies. This variation is caused by not complying with essential philosophical grounds and underestimating proper applications of Husserl's phenomenological notions. Where and on whom will the research have impact? Outcomes of this paper illustrate examples of proper and improper uses of Husserl's phenomenology in nursing research, including critical considerations, which can guide nurse researchers aiming to conduct descriptive phenomenological research. Additionally, nurse lecturers can utilize this paper to show and emphasize the importance of philosophical grounds in phenomenology.
Due to the nature of this discussion paper addressing philosophical and methodological aspects using examples from the literature, no direct patient or public contribution was required.
This phenomenological examination adds evidence-based understanding to the experience after traumatic brain injury (TBI) among female active duty servicemembers and veterans.
Rehabilitation for ...female active duty servicemembers and veterans can use an approach of equity-oriented health care that acknowledges that trauma affects physical/emotional health, interpersonal relationships, and ability to access care.
Sharing stories in a group setting help to establish personal connection, build trust, and process emotions about their experience with other female storytellers, and can combat isolation in female active duty servicemembers and veterans after TBI.
Given the majority of Service Members and Veterans (SMV) who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are male, the female experience with TBI has not been captured in the general understanding of TBI. To improve understanding of the experience of female SMV after TBI utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach on stories as told by female SMV.
Ten female SMV participated in storytelling workshops and created video stories documenting their personal experience with TBI. Workshops were hosted by the VA Palo Alto Health Care System Polytrauma System of Care (VAPAHCS PSC). A grounded thematic analysis was conducted on the video stories.
Three common content themes emerged from all the stories: (1) negative psychological and emotional impacts of TBI, (2) acceptance and healing process associated with recovery, and (3) military contexts. Negative psychological and emotional impacts included intrapersonal impacts such as negative emotions, suicidal ideation, and dealing with cognitive and physical challenges, and interpersonal impacts in relationships and loss of independence. Notably, all the stories acknowledged an acceptance and healing process, characterized by several subthemes including motivational factors, TBI education, spirituality, and advocacy work. Lastly, each story mentioned military context, highlighting the unique experience within this population.
This phenomenological examination adds evidence-based understanding to the experience after TBI among female SMV. Each story uncovered nuanced and multifaceted issues that women experience in their TBI recovery. Our findings provide context to guide future intervention on the care, support, and TBI recovery for the female SMV population.
Waiting lists in mental health services are currently considered too long. Lengthy waits of up to 18 weeks are commonly reported in the UK. Waiting lists have long been associated with a variety of ...negative psychological responses, however there is little understanding behind young adults' personal experiences of such delays within mental health services. The current study aimed to explore young adults' experiences of waiting lists in mental healthcare in the UK. Seven young adults were interviewed in the current study (aged 19-22). Interpretive phenomenological analysis was utilised to explore participant accounts. Three super-ordinate themes were generated: Reliance on Alternative Methods of Support; Inability to Function Sufficiently; and Emergence of Negative Beliefs, Emotions and Thoughts. Participants primarily reported a variety of negative psychological and behavioural consequences associated with waiting lists in mental health services, as well as exacerbated existing physical and psychological health issues. In accordance with the limited number of previous studies, waiting lists are considered by patients to be barriers to mental health support and intervention. Future direction is advised.
This study used a qualitative methodology to examine how a sense of calling is related to the career change process. Interviews were conducted with eight career changers who perceived their career ...transition as a way to fulfill a calling. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), eight super-ordinate themes were elicited that described the various elements of the change process: activity prior to the career change, activity during the pre-transition period, activity during the process of discerning a calling, definition of calling, challenges of pursuing a calling-infused career, ways of dealing with challenges, impact of a calling-infused career change, and unique aspects of a calling-infused career change. Generally, participants were satisfied with their calling-infused career transitions and reported greater levels of well-being at work and in their lives as a whole. In-depth self-exploration and making meaning from past experiences were described as primary ways to discern a calling. Interviewees defined calling as a source of fulfillment, a way to serve the greater good at work, a spiritual conviction that one is doing what one is meant to do, and as an important part of one's identity. As unique characteristics of career changes motivated by a sense of calling, participants indicated that their transitions were prompted by altruistic motives and the pursuit of intrinsic rewards. Interviewees also reported feeling blessed to live out their calling and viewed pursuing a calling as an ongoing process.
•All participants described greater well being with their calling infused career.•Self-reflection and meaning-making were prominent to discern a calling.•Calling infused career change happened with the pursuit of internal rewards.•Participants felt blessed to living their calling and viewed it as ongoing process.
In this article, I try to think through the question, “What distinguishes phenomenology in its original sense?” My intent is to focus on the project and methodology of phenomenology in a manner that ...is not overly technical and that may help others to further elaborate on or question the singular features that make phenomenology into a unique qualitative form of inquiry. I pay special attention to the notion of “lived” in the phenomenological term “lived experience” to demonstrate its critical role and significance for understanding phenomenological reflection, meaning, analysis, and insights. I also attend to the kind of experiential material that is needed to focus on a genuine phenomenological question that should guide any specific research project. Heidegger, van den Berg, and Marion provide some poignant exemplars of the use of narrative “examples” in phenomenological explorations of the phenomena of “boredom,” “conversation,” and “the meaningful look in eye-contact.” Only what is given or what gives itself in lived experience (or conscious awareness) are proper phenomenological “data” or “givens,” but these givens are not to be confused with data material that can be coded, sorted, abstracted, and accordingly analyzed in some “systematic” manner. The latter approach to experiential research may be appropriate and worthwhile for various types of qualitative inquiry but not for phenomenology in its original sense. Finally, I use the mythical figure of Kairos to show that the famous phenomenological couplet of the epoché-reduction aims for phenomenological insights that require experiential analysis and attentive (but serendipitous) methodical inquiry practices.
In the Netherlands, there has been much debate on the question whether elderly people over 70 who are tired of life and who consider their life to be completed, should have legal options to ask for ...assisted dying. So far there has been little research into the experiences of these elderly people. In order to develop deliberate policy and care that targets this group of elderly people, it is necessary to understand their lifeworld. The aim of this paper is to describe the phenomenon ‘life is completed and no longer worth living’ from a lifeworld perspective, as it is lived and experienced by elderly people. Between April to December 2013, we conducted 25 in-depth interviews. A reflective lifeworld research design, drawing on the phenomenological tradition, was used during the data gathering and data analysis. The essential meaning of the phenomenon is understood as ‘a tangle of inability and unwillingness to connect to one's actual life’, characterized by a permanently lived tension: daily experiences seem incompatible with people's expectations of life and their idea of whom they are. While feeling more and more disconnected to life, a yearning desire to end life is strengthened. The experience is further explicated in its five constituents: 1) a sense of aching loneliness; 2) the pain of not mattering; 3) the inability to express oneself; 4) multidimensional tiredness; and 5) a sense of aversion towards feared dependence. This article provides evocative and empathic lifeworld descriptions contributing to a deeper understanding of these elderly people and raises questions about a close association between death wishes and depression in this sample.
•Experiences of elderly who feel ‘life is completed and no longer worth living’.•Daily experiences are opposed to and incompatible with expectations of life.•A tangle of inability and unwillingness to connect to one's actual life.•In-depth understanding of the meaning of age-related losses.•Questions a close association between death wishes and depression in this sample.
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