Abstract
The aim of the study was to perform an in-depth exploratory analysis of the experience and image of one's body among living kidney donors. The research was carried out using mixed methodology. The study on experiencing one's own body was carried out using the sociological methodology of the grounded theory (qualitative research). This method was supplemented with psychometric measurement-the Body Esteem Scale (quantitative research). The basic research method was the in-depth interview. Using this method, a group of 25 living kidney donors who had not experienced any serious health or psychological problems after donation was examined. The participants of the study came from three transplant centers in Poland. The data from the sociological interviews indicate that the donors: 1. do not experience radical changes in the functioning of their body; 2. maintain full control over it and do not feel the absence of a kidney in the body; 3. consciously and reflectively take care of their body after donation. In addition, the sociological research indicates that caring for one's own body also includes the transferred organ. The kidney donors experience a kind of bodily identity extension, including the recipient's body. However, the personal and social identity of the studied kidney donors is not disturbed in any way. The psychometric data correspond to the sociological results and indicate: 1. a lack of extreme emotional assessments about one's body; 2. awareness of one's own body and consistency of its image; 3. reduced emotional assessment of body zones directly related to the surgery; 4. differences in body image between the sexes. The research results presented in the text indicate not only the possibility, but also the need for triangulation of research methods in the study of the experience and image of one's own body in living kidney donors. The proposed research approach employing mixed methodology within the fields of sociology and psychology for researching the phenomenon of living kidney donation is not very common.
Highlights
The development of modern knowledge and medical technology means that in the 21st century the body is increasingly moving from the sphere of nature to that of culture
The kidney donors experience a kind of bodily identity extension, including the recipient’s body
The personal and social identity of the studied kidney donors is not disturbed in any way
Summary
The development of modern knowledge and medical technology means that in the 21st century the body is increasingly moving from the sphere of nature to that of culture. Kidney donation from a living donor is increasingly being treated as a standard medical procedure. The data from studies carried out by various transplant centers on large groups of donors indicate a low risk of complications during and after the donation procedure [1]. The research results indicate a low risk of mental health disorders in living donors, which occur most frequently in the short postoperative recovery period [2,3,4]. Mental well-being, as well as life satisfaction Both physical and mental well-being are reduced in the period close to the donation procedure [5]. Some studies indicate that donors may feel permanent regret after kidney donation if the transplant procedure did not bring the expected improvement in the recipient’s health or the donor himself/herself cannot return to his/her social roles [8]. The aim of the study was to perform an in-depth exploratory analysis of the experience and image of one’s body among living kidney donors
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