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Phenomenology as a Research Method for Social Work

Overview

• Cancer Survival: A complex and profound human experience that can be explored through phenomenological lens.

• Purpose: To provide insights on the lived experience of cancer survivorhood, utilizing Heideggerian phenomenology.

• Participants: 15 volunteers from Bendigo, Australia, diagnosed with various cancers, underwent two in-depth interviews over six months.

Research Design and Methodology

• Interviews: Conducted in-depth interviews analyzed using phenomenological interpretation, focusing on lived experiences.

• Data Analysis: Employed the hermeneutic circle to analyze data both in part and whole, informed by Heideggerian concepts, especially temporality.

Theoretical Framework

Historical Perspective of Phenomenology

• Origin: Emerged as an alternative to scientific methods in social sciences; emphasizes differences between humanities and natural sciences.

• Founders: Husserl is acknowledged as the father of phenomenology, exploring conscious lived experiences.

• Concepts:

  • Bracketing: A Husserlian method to analyze experiences devoid of researcher bias, though criticized for dualism.

  • Heidegger’s Influence: Challenges the separation of experience; emphasizes shared meaning through experiences.

Key Heideggerian Concepts

• Dasein: Represents human existence as being-in-the-world; emphasizes the social interconnectedness of individuals.

• Temporality: Understanding human existence through past, present, and future.

  • Being-thrown: The notion that existence comes with historical context leading to diverse personal experiences.

• Angst and Authenticity: Heidegger posits that confronting angst can lead to authentic living and relationships of care.

Application of Phenomenology to Cancer Survival

Ontological and Epistemological Perspectives

• Focus: Understanding lived experience rather than operational definitions of survival.

• Self-definitions of Survivorship: Participants had their definitions of survivorship that transcended traditional clinical measures.

• Hermeneutic Approach: Emphasizes the co-creation of knowledge between researcher and participant, enhancing understanding of personal narratives.

Methodological Implications

• Subjectivity in Research: Acknowledge the researcher’s influence on the research process; reflexivity enhances transparency and understanding.

• Ethical Considerations: Ensured participant confidentiality, fully informed consent, and psychological support during interviews.

Findings and Themes Surrounding Cancer Survival

Key Findings

• Surviving cancer is an evolving narrative involving personal, social, and spiritual changes.

• Temporality: Participants’ experiences emphasize re-evaluating past relationships and priorities due to cancer diagnosis.

• Relationships of Care: Significant connections formed and transformed, highlighting the complexity of social dynamics post-diagnosis.

Selected Themes from Findings

• Physical Changes: Acknowledgment of bodily changes and emotional fluctuations associated with their diagnosis.

• Meaning-Making: Survivors navigate profound questions of existence and purpose shaped by their experiences with cancer.

Influence on Social Work Practice

• Implications: Understanding the complexities of cancer survival can enhance social work approaches to support clients through their journeys.

• Humanistic Approach: Aligns with social work tenets that emphasize individual in-context relational dynamics.

Phenomenology as a Research Method for Social Work

Overview

• Cancer Survival: A complex and profound human experience that warrants exploration through a phenomenological lens, aiming to capture the intricate emotions, relationships, and existential reflections of individuals navigating life post-cancer.

• Purpose: To gain insights into the lived experiences of cancer survivors using Heideggerian phenomenology, which emphasizes understanding human existence within its temporal context and acknowledges the social interconnectedness inherent in survivor narratives.

• Participants: 15 volunteers from Bendigo, Australia, each diagnosed with various forms of cancer, underwent a series of two in-depth interviews conducted across a span of six months, allowing for a rich collection of personal narratives and experiences.

Research Design and Methodology

• Interviews: Conducted thorough in-depth interviews, which were meticulously analyzed using phenomenological interpretation aimed at exploring the nuances of lived experiences. This method provided a platform for participants to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations.

• Data Analysis: Applied the hermeneutic circle technique to analyze data, considering both parts of participants' narratives and the holistic context, grounded in key Heideggerian concepts such as temporality, intersubjectivity, and authenticity.

Theoretical Framework

Historical Perspective of Phenomenology

• Origin: Phenomenology emerged as an alternative and critique of traditional scientific methods in social sciences, aiming to bridge the divide between humanities and natural sciences by prioritizing subjective human experiences.

• Founders: Edmund Husserl is recognized as the father of phenomenology, delving into conscious lived experiences and advocating for a return to the subjectivity of experience.

• Key Concepts:

  • Bracketing: A method proposed by Husserl that aims to analyze experiences free from researcher bias, although it faces criticism for introducing a dualism between researcher and participant.

  • Heidegger’s Influence: Challenges the traditional separation of experience, instead highlighting shared meaning and understanding developed through lived interactions.

Key Heideggerian Concepts

• Dasein: A term that represents human existence as being-in-the-world, emphasizing the essential social interconnectedness and shared experiences among individuals.

• Temporality: Understanding human existence through a lens that considers the interrelations of past experiences, present realities, and future aspirations.

• Being-thrown: This concept refers to the inherent historical context individuals carry with them, shaping diverse personal experiences and perspectives.

• Angst and Authenticity: Heidegger posits that confronting existential angst can propel individuals towards authentic living and promote genuine relationships characterized by care and concern.

Application of Phenomenology to Cancer Survival

Ontological and Epistemological Perspectives

• Focus: The emphasis is on comprehensively understanding the lived experiences related to cancer survival rather than adhering to rigid, operational definitions of survival.

• Self-definitions of Survivorship: Participants articulated personal definitions of survivorship that transcended traditional clinical measures, showcasing the complexity of what it means to survive cancer emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

• Hermeneutic Approach: Stresses the collaborative creation of knowledge between researchers and participants, fostering a deeper understanding of personal narratives.

Methodological Implications

• Subjectivity in Research: Highlights the necessity of acknowledging the researcher's influence throughout the research process; employing reflexivity significantly enhances both transparency and depth of understanding.

• Ethical Considerations: Ensured robust participant confidentiality, fully informed consent, and provided necessary psychological support during the emotional interviews, recognizing the potential psychological impact of sharing their experiences.

Findings and Themes Surrounding Cancer Survival

Key Findings

• Surviving cancer emerged as an evolving narrative that encompasses profound personal, social, and spiritual changes, highlighting resilience and transformation.

• Temporality: Participants illustrated how their experiences led to a re-evaluation of past relationships and priorities instigated by their cancer diagnosis, emphasizing shifts in values and life goals.

• Relationships of Care: Identified the formation and transformation of significant connections with family, friends, and support networks, underscoring the complexity of social dynamics post-diagnosis and the vital role of support in the survivorship journey.

Selected Themes from Findings

• Physical Changes: Participants acknowledged the impact of bodily changes and the accompanying emotional fluctuations inherent to their diagnosis, signaling a profound shift in body image and identity.

• Meaning-Making: Survivors engaged in deep questions regarding existence and purpose, often prompted by their cancer experiences, revealing a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Influence on Social Work Practice

• Implications: Understanding the multifaceted nature of cancer survival can significantly enhance social work approaches, allowing practitioners to provide more tailored and empathetic support for clients navigating their cancer journey.

• Humanistic Approach: Aligns with core social work principles that emphasize understanding individuals in-context and fostering relational dynamics that support holistic healing and recovery.