The meaning of stressful life experiences as described by nine to eleven-year-old children: A phenomenological study
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The preponderance of literature regarding stress and children has been based on adults' perceptions of how children view stressful life experiences. A qualitative study using the phenomenological method was conducted to answer the question: What is the meaning of stressful life experiences as described by nine to eleven-year-old children? Fourteen children participated in this study. The children's rights as research participants were protected through an approved human subjects' protocol. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with each child. Drawing was used as a means of establishing rapport and assisting the child to focus on the research question. Data from audiotaped interviews were analyzed using the methodological approach of Giorgi (1970, 1975, 1981, 1985). The children identified 17 categories of situations that were concentrated within three principle dimensions: (a) feelings of loss, (b) feelings of threat to self; and (c) feelings of being hassled. The children described coping strategies they used to respond to stressful life experiences they encountered. The theme of powerlessness was present throughout the interviews. Children indicated that experiences related to loss, such as death of a significant person or pet, or move to a new home, although infrequent, are of great consequence in their lives. The interviews demonstrated the pervasity of situations evoking feelings of threat to self and feelings of being hassled in children's lives. This study has important implications for nurses and other health professionals, because through better understanding of the meaning of stressful experiences in children's lives, professionals can more effectively respond to their needs. Implications for nursing practice, education, and research are identified.
This dissertation has also been disseminated through the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. Dissertation/thesis number: 9214882; ProQuest document ID: 303929837. The author still retains copyright.
This item has not gone through this repository's peer-review process, but has been accepted by the indicated university or college in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the specified degree.
Type | Dissertation |
Acquisition | Proxy-submission |
Review Type | None: Degree-based Submission |
Format | Text-based Document |
Evidence Level | Phenomenology |
Research Approach | Mixed/Multi Method Research |
Keywords | Nursing; Mental Health; Adolescent Stress |
CINAHL Subject(s) | Life Experiences--In Infancy and Childhood; Stress, Psychological--In Infancy and Childhood; Powerlessness--In Infancy and Childhood; Life Experiences; Stress, Psychological; Powerlessness |
Grantor | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee |
Advisor | Kritek, Phyllis B.; Mitsunaga, Betty |
Level | PhD |
Year | 1991 |
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