Basallaje, Katrina R. and Gañalongo, Ma. Rowena V. and Labadan, Charlene Mae M. (2009) Phenomenological study of families with children affected with chronic illness. Undergraduate thesis, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas.

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Name of Institution: De La Salle University- Dasmariñas Address: Dasmariñas, Cavite Title: Phenomenological Study of Families with Children Affected with Chronic Illness Authors: Katrina R. Basallaje Ma. Rowena V. Gañalongo Charlene Mae M. Labadan Ariane F. Labajata Funding Source: Parents Cost: Php 15,000 Date Started: July 2008 Date Ended: February 2009 Objectives of the Study General To find out the experiences of families with children affected with Chronic Illness. Specific 1. What is the demographic profile of the participants in terms of: a. age b. sex c. family role d. occupation e. monthly income f. educational background g. characteristics of the affected children 2. What is the demographic profile of the children with chronic illness in terms of: a. age b. sex c. educational background d. age of first diagnosis of illness e. type of illness 3. What are the experiences of the participants to the children after the diagnosis? Scope and Limitation This study covers five (5) non-randomly selected extended families’ with children affected with chronic illness and with at least two (2) members each that will serve as the participants. The families’ experiences include the problems encountered, coping mechanisms, needs, contributions, and value of family member in taking care of children with chronic illness. This study is limited to aspects of the affected children’s experiences. The researchers limited the number of participants from the available families’ who are willing to participate in the study. Methodology This study is a qualitative research using the phenomenological approach. The researcher used phenomenological approach to focus on families’ experiences, on how people describe their experiences to the structures that underlie consciousness to the essential nature of ideas. The researchers utilized an interview guide questions that will allow the respondents to freely express themselves on the subject of the issue. The interview responses are recorded using video camera as long as the participants are well informed about the procedure. The researchers in conducting the study will also use writing materials such as paper and pens for jotting down significant information cited by the family members. Findings 1. Regardless of age, sex, status, and position of the individual, participants usually have negative and positive experiences that makes them financially, emotionally, physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually imbalanced. 2. The affected family members usually develop negative feelings such as anger, shock, disbelief, helplessness, isolation, and fear that make them inferior and vulnerable in facing the reality of their situation and the invincible enemy, which is the illness. With these inferiorities, the members also experience rejection, changes in lifestyle and is blamed by others. 3. In order to survive and fight the illness, these members develop positive attitude, outlook in life, behavior, view of perspectives such as appreciating life, learning to accept their limitations as well as the things they can do to live a happy and contented life. 4. The idea of God motivates people to act, and those actions have real consequences for us and for others. Our view of God is important because it embodies our goals and directs our social interactions. This strong religious belief or spirituality helped them achieve superiority that represents the full acceptance of the situation, enlightenment, and significant realizations. Conclusion Based on the results and findings obtained in this study, the following conclusions are drawn: 1. Regardless of age, sex, status, position of the individual, the participants are experiencing the same problems that affect them financially, emotionally, physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually. 2. Individuals when faced with an invincible enemy particularly incurable sickness means changes in lifestyle; and, that they were forced to have negative emotions such as: disbelief, shock, anger, helplessness, isolation and fear regarding of what condition asks for. 3. The participants show adequate coping mechanisms and positive insights in order to survive and fulfill their roles as protecting and loving caregivers by doing good things, diverting their attention, looking through a wider perspective, stronger faith, and accepting the reality. 4. A strong support system contributes in maintaining healthy family functioning, help from friends and relatives and most especially, cooperation and the unconditional love provided by the family unit. vi 5. The very core of strength is spirituality, their belief and religion shows how they continue to fight the invincible enemy. Despite the differences of religion, families with children affected with chronic illness hold on to the belief that the suffering and pain they feel will ease in time. They are willing to ask for help and believe in their God as well as to what they can do to help the child live a normal life. Recommendation: This section presents specific recommendations addressed to particular conclusions of this study. For the Family Members/Caregiver They should continue assisting and expand their support to their ill child. By being flexible in the demands of the new routine would help ease the stress that accompanies in many obligations. They may widen their perspective in facing their situation and they can get strength from each member of the family by having an open and honest communication to ease fears, and stress so that the ill child can live a happy and normal life, as others would do. For Children with Chronic Illness They should be mindful and appreciate the concerns and sacrifices of their family members on care giving with the unconditional love, support, and strength coming from the family. Children with chronic illness should possess a positive attitude towards their situation that would help them to cope effectively For Future Researchers They could pursue a more intensive study for a more comprehensive outcome. Since the researchers made limitations in the study, they could include a wide number of family members to gather information about their experiences in care giving of children affected with chronic illness. For Concerned People They should be aware on the condition and sensitivity of families who are facing this kind of situation. They must be mindful and respectful concerning the pain and burden that these families experience.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Additional Information:	PSY 950 2009
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Depositing User:	Users 4 not found.
Date Deposited:	26 Jan 2016 01:55
Last Modified:	10 Oct 2024 02:04
URI:	https://thesis.dlsud.edu.ph/id/eprint/1198

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