A Qualitative Study on Interpersonal Relationships of Patients with Facial Burn Injuries: Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the experience of patients with facial burn injuries regarding their interpersonal relationships. The phenomenological research method was used. Participants of the study consisted of five males and three females. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews from November, 2014 to February, 2015 and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Five theme clusters were extracted that described patients' experiences. They are "being a lonely foreigner," "closing my mind toward the world," "hiding hurt feelings," "companion of my face," and "communicating with the world". The results of this study provide a deep understanding and insight into the experience of interpersonal relationships among facial burn patients. The development of a comprehensive program including physical, psychological, and social aspects is recommended to address the problems facial burn patients encounter in interpersonal relationships and to facilitate interaction.