Descriptive Phenomenology Research Articles

The interpretation of a phenomenon: telepathy in psychotherapy among therapists trained under Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao

ABSTRACT Filipino psychologist Fr. Jaime C. Bulataosuggested that a shared collective consciousness allows for telepathy to occur. In the context of psychotherapy, telepathy may strengthen rapport between therapist and client, as well as enrich insight. This paper aims to describe and discuss a framework of Bulatao-inspired psychotherapy that integrates telepathy as part of the therapeutic practice. Thus, the paper asks the question: What does the Bulatao therapeutic process of telepathy look like? Descriptive phenomenology revealed four phenomenological structures: (a) Mental quietude and psychic openness; (b) Perceiving the client; (c) Receiving and reacting to telepathic stimuli; and (d) Anomalous insight. This paper has the potential to inspire a conversation with regard to the potential therapeutic uses of Bulatao’s transpersonal world view.

Waiting in the Wings: The Enactment of a Descriptive Phenomenology Study

Confronted with a range of methodological options, novice researchers often face the daunting dilemma of selecting a methodological route which best fits the purpose of their study. Following the decision-making process, all methodologies present challenges which need to be explored and addressed. This paper outlines the application of descriptive phenomenology for a doctoral study. Examples and insights are offered about how applied theoretical underpinnings can translate into research action. The central aim of descriptive phenomenology is to use first person accounts to clarify the essential meanings of defined phenomena. Therefore, attention is placed on how researchers can use the process of methodologically coherent bracketing to remain participant focussed. The metaphor of a stage play is used to illustrate the research process and identify issues relating to researcher positionality. A suggested prompt sheet is included to help readers practically consider the steps involved in undertaking a study using descriptive phenomenology. The paper concludes with the assertion that methodologically coherent descriptive phenomenology is a useful approach for gaining valuable understandings into human experience. This paper will be relevant for many disciplines and allied healthcare professionals who wish to consider descriptive phenomenology as an interesting and appropriate qualitative methodology. This paper seeks to provide an academic awareness into an established, yet growing methodology, providing methodological insights and an interdisciplinary recognition that descriptive phenomenology can be applied and implemented to support many areas of qualitative study.

Gearing Towards Gender Equality: Insights from Female Police Officers in their Experiences at Their Workplaces

Addressing the experiences and promoting gender equality in law enforcement is crucial not only for the well-being of women officers but also for creating safer and more just communities for all. This study explored the insights of the female police officers in their experiences at their workplace towards gender equality in the province of Misamis Occidental during the year 2023. Descriptive phenomenology was the research design used in the study. Seven women police officers participated in the study, who were chosen using purposive sampling. An in-depth interview was done to gather data using interview guide questions. The participants’ responses were transcribed, coded, and organized to form themes based on the study’s objective using NVivo software. Data were then analyzed and interpreted using Moustaka’s steps of data analysis. Results revealed that majority of the women police officers were at the age middle age married with the rank of police corporal. Moreover, their insights resulted to seven themes: handling gender based-cases, being given simpler work and belittle in their competence, desiring to perform male tasks, having lesser opportunities in leadership and promotion, using varied coping mechanisms in dealing with gender inequality; the need for equal treatment and opportunities, and aspiring for support system, clubs, programs, and laws to empower women. Female police officers have to be provided with opportunities for professional growth and development by ensuring that female police officers have equal access to leadership positions, training, and promotional opportunities, establishing support systems, clubs, and programs that empower and promote the advancement of women in law enforcement; and advocating for laws and policies that protect the rights and promote the advancement of women in law.

Experience Nurses of Risks for Anxiety and Depression in the Near Post Pandemic Crisis: A Descriptive Phenomenology

Experience Nurses of Risks for Anxiety and Depression in the Near Post Pandemic Crisis: A Descriptive Phenomenology

Exploring the first-year experiences of international students in a multicultural institution in the United Arab Emirates

This study aimed to explore the factors reported by first-year international students which helped or hindered their experiences of transition to a multicultural higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates. Descriptive phenomenology was used to portray participants constructed and co-constructed views, formed through their individual and social experiences of transitioning to international higher education. Six focus group interviews were used to collect data from international students to access a wide variety of nationalities. The qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive approach. Three themes emerged as being significant to their transitional experiences: students' experiences of freshmen orientation, their academic experiences, and the institutional environment. Researching international students' experiences of transitioning to higher education in the United Arab Emirates, and even generally in the Middle East, constitutes an original context. The context of this study also offers originality because the international students are in the majority rather than the minority.

Therapeutic Communication Experience of Nurses With Chemotherapy Patients in a General Hospital

Cancer patients have special communication needs. Therapeutic communication can help patients, families, and care teams make decisions and improve patients’ well-being and quality of life. This study aimed to understand the therapeutic communication experience of nurses with patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study employed a descriptive phenomenology design using in-depth interviews involving eight key participants and one associate participant. The key participants were nurse practitioners, and the associate participant was the vice head of the chemotherapy ward. The results of interviews and field notes were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method of data analysis. Nine themes emerged from this study that is therapeutic communication is perceived as beneficial for patients, therapeutic communication is perceived as useful for nurses, patient conditions that hinder therapeutic communication, nurse conditions that interfere with therapeutic communication, personal therapeutic communication strategies, interpersonal therapeutic communication strategies, regular chemotherapy training, training for ongoing therapeutic communication, and chemotherapy-related information media to facilitate therapeutic communication. The study results suggest the need for chemotherapy training and continuous therapeutic communication for nurses in the chemotherapy ward of a general hospital.

Lived experiences of Iranian nursing managers in organizing and confronting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prevalence of the new infectious disease is a global health issue and a threat to nurses and other health care workers. In addition to nurses who have been directly involved in the care of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nursing managers have also played a key role in the management and control of this disease. The present study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of nursing managers in organizing and confronting COVID-19 in Iran. This study was a qualitative research design conducted by descriptive phenomenology based on Husserl philosophy. Participants consisted of 32 nursing managers working in general public hospitals in East Guilan, north of Iran, selected using purposive sampling. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Colaizzi's strategy was used to analyze the data. Coding was done with MAXQDA 2007 software. Lincoln and Guba trustworthiness criteria were used to achieve accuracy and reliability of the data. Data analysis led to the emergence of a main theme called "Management in the COVID-19 Crisis" and three sub-themes: "Dealing with the unknown", "Managing deficiencies and assets" and "Structural challenges". In this study the nursing managers experienced how to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. By examining the experiences of managers involved in the COVID-19 pandemic, a rich set of managerial experiences can be gathered that prepare them for other infectious diseases in the future.

The Lived experience of Iranian Mothers in the role of Mother-in-law: A phenomenological Study

Objective: The aim of the present study was to identify the lived experiences of Iranian mothers from the role of mother-in-law. Research Method: The method of the present study was applied and qualitative descriptive phenomenology. The sample consisted of 14 mothers living in Isfahan who entered the study by convenience sampling method. Semi structured interviews were conducted, then implemented verbatim and analyzed by the Smith and Osborn’s method. Results:In this study, The role of mother-in-law in 4 main themes including the perception of motherhood after marriage, role-playing requirements, challenges and opportunities, communication skills, 15 sub-themes including supportive and guiding motherhood, conservative motherhood, motherhood Self-sacrificing with personal limitations, desirable traits and characteristics, challenges and opportunities of relationship with spouse, challenges and opportunities of parent-child relationship, challenge of cultural beliefs, an opportunity to respond to basic needs, challenge Care and management responsibilities, emotional challenges, maintaining boundaries, expressive and instrumental investment, joining the family of spouse child, joining the in-law, acting consciously and intelligently, and were estimated 69 codes. Conclusion: According to the research findings, the role of mother-in-law is defined by the perception of a supportive, conservative and self-sacrificing mother, who is required to have desirable characteristics and traits and use communication skills to fulfill her role. Being a mother-in-law, while creating opportunities, also brings challenges for mothers. In general, facilitating relationships and family cohesion is the common essence of Iranian mothers' experiences the role of mother-in-law.

Modern Heroes: Lived Experiences of Nurses during Covid-19

Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is an infectious disease brought on by a brand-new coronavirus strain that spread globally in 2019 and was later recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. People have experienced too much stress as a result, and medical professionals who are at the forefront of this conflict have felt pressure and exhaustion. This study is premised on the idea that despite the lack of adequate medical supplies, staff, and facilities, the nurses give COVID patients thorough and moral care. This is in addition to the fact that their line of work now endangers their lives, nurses also deal with challenges like overwork, prejudice, and inadequate pay. The present study uses Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology to examine and interpret the nurses’ actual experiences throughout the epidemic. There are seven nurses who participated in this study. While four (4) of the nurses work at private hospitals, the three (3) other nurses are employed by the public hospital. The key themes that emerged from the phenomenological analysis of the nurses’ experiences throughout the pandemic were mental and emotional state, the setting of care, and nurses’ motivation. From the results, was concluded that nurses caring for COVID-19 patients exhibit resilience and strength of character (thought and emotion) and nurses’ demanding work seems to go unnoticed by the community and the government, despite the fact that attending COVID-19 patients not only brought them negative effects or challenges but also positive ones like growing emotionally and psychologically closer to family members, becoming more compassionate and appreciative of life, and maintaining motivation.

Online learning challenges as experienced by nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic at a higher education institution in Gauteng, South Africa.

To explore and describe challenges experienced by nursing students in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic at a higher education institution in Gauteng, South Africa. COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nursing education in South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Learning had to shift to online, which posed challenges for some nursing students, such as poor internet connectivity related to power outages. Gaining insight into these challenges is crucial to improving online nursing education. The study utilised a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design with a phenomenological approach. The study setting was at a particular HEI in Gauteng, South Africa. Data was collected throughunstructured, face-to-face, and virtual interviews with nursing students selected using non-probability purposive sampling. BCur Ed et Admin nursing students were interviewed until data saturation was reached on the 10th participant. The five-step Giorgi's descriptive phenomenology method was used for data analysis. A total of 10 nursing students were interviewed. Analysis revealed that nursing students experienced challenges expressed in four themes: unpreparedness, lack of resources, connectivity issues and digital skills insufficiency. These findings contribute to improving online nursing programs during pandemics by providing insight into students' challenges. This study is significant to the global community as it highlights challenges faced in online nursing education, especially in developing countries. Understanding these challenges is crucial to developing strategies and implementing effective online learning in nursing education.

Utilization of Different Learning Modalities in Teaching English in Secondary School: A Phenomenological Study

This research study delves into the lived experiences of high school students in a secondary school as they navigate different learning modalities in English language learning. The study aims to uncover the challenges, reflections, and interventions that arise during the pandemic period, the transition period, and the post-pandemic period. The research design employs descriptive phenomenology, which allows for an in-depth exploration of participants' experiences, while also employing thematic analysis to identify core ideas and themes. In the pandemic period, Modular Distance Learning (MDL) is the predominant modality, exposing students to challenges such as confusing lessons, difficulty in comprehending instructions, lack of English vocabulary, and communication barriers. Collaboration, critical thinking, and personal growth emerge as essential themes during this phase, with students using online resources for additional information and electronic devices for communication. Transitioning to Blended Learning in the transition period brings challenges related to language comprehension, transitioning between MDL and face-to-face (F2F) settings, complacency in MDL, time management, copying answers, and academic integrity. In the post-pandemic period, F2F learning offers immediate clarification and enhanced interaction. Challenges include initial unfamiliarity with activities, which is addressed by direct teacher communication and rapid grasp of activities through thorough instructions. The findings underscore the significance of communication, critical thinking, adaptation, and time management in English language learning across different modalities. The study recommends further research in comparative analysis of learning outcomes, long-term impact assessment, pedagogical strategies, teacher training, student perspectives, technology integration, and cross-cultural analysis. This research enriches educational practices and policy decisions, enabling effective English language learning in various learning modalities.

A Qualitative Study on Mothers whose Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit/ Yenidoğan Yoğun Bakım Ünitesinde Bebeği Olan Anneler Üzerine Nitel Bir Araştırma

We aimed to explore the feelings and thoughts of eastern Anatolian mothers whose newborns are hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This research employed a descriptive hermeneutical phenomenology paradigm and used semi-structured interviews with ten mothers, in one public and one private hospital located in the city of Van (Eastern Anatolia/Turkey) in March 2016. We found the main categories as “relational resilience sources”, “destructive relational sources” and “the effects of both relational sources” according to the feelings and thoughts of mothers. While mothers have mostly had unpleasant feelings about their baby’s hospitalization newborn unit, pleasant feelings also have been revealed such as a sense of gratitude or optimism. Mothers in eastern culture can trigger element of “faith” and “environmental support” among “resources of resilience” when they face this kind of challenging issue.

Pengambilan keputusan do not resucitate pasien end of life ditinjau dari perspektif keluarga

Background: The goals decisionmaking process DNR orders are supporting autonomy of patient/families and preventing futile medical interventions. Families can experience challenges and difficulties when making decision. Exploration decisionmaking process involving family is therefore crucial. The study aims to explore indepth the decisionmaking DNR among EOL patient from perspective families.Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenology study was recruited 6 families, within purposive sampling. Data collection used after to have passed the code of etic, and used indepth interviews face to face and videocalls, and then data analysis followed the Colaizzi’s method.Results: Twelve major themes from interview finding: decisionmaking is autonomy of families, inadequate information communication, consideration patient health status, family’s beliefs and values, family accompaniment, time allocation, knowledge, trust health workers, financial consideration, information provision, and needs second opinions.The findings: Process of communication and effective information inadequate, need for conditional and psychological considerations, need special officers in communicating, need second opinion. Other inhibiting factors are limited knowledge, values and beliefs, limited time from family and health workers, and financial limitations. Conclusion: Need to improve their ability provide adequate information and to perform an effective communication, and facilitate a shared decision making, partculary in DNR decision making for EoL patients

Descriptive phenomenology study of the reasons for the low uptake of free health service package among type II diabetic patients

BackgroundAlthough several diabetes management and control programs are introduced in Iran, rate of using such cares in patients with Type II Diabetic in Ahvaz is low and they show no tendency for receiving free diabetes service package. The aim of this study was to identify reasons behind low uptake of free health service package among T2DM patients in Ahvaz, Iran.MethodsThis descriptive phenomenology study based on semi-structured guided interviews of patients with Type II Diabetic in Ahvaz, was carried out in the year 2021. Through purposeful sampling, 495 patients with diabetics who not received health services package more than 6 months were interviewed until the data saturation. The gathered data were analyzed through conventional content analysis.ResultsReasons were categorized into three themes which include 13 subthemes and 57 codes. Themes included individual, accessibility, and structural factors. Besides, subthemes were lack of awareness, poor health literacy, adverse patients experience, difficulties to use services, verbal miscommunication cultural barriers, low trust, geographic barriers, time barriers, financial difficulties, lack of human resources, poor service delivery, and organizational factors were as barriers to participation.ConclusionRegarding individual level, there is a need for further training of diabetic patients. Besides, for accessibility and structural factors Iranian healthcare system needs a comprehensive integrated care for the management of diabetes, this underlines the collaboration for improving patients' uptake of free health service package.

A Descriptive Phenomenology of Nature and Characteristics of Chieftaincy Succession Conflict: A Case of Akuapem Traditional Area, Ghana

The study focused on the nature and characteristics of the chieftaincy succession conflict in the Akuapem Traditional Area of Ghana. This study was anchored on an interpretivist philosophical viewpoint. Methodologically, the study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenology research design. Thirty-four (34) adults who have lived in the area for the past five years participated in the study. They included members of the traditional council, the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, the royal gates to the paramountcy and others within the community. Participants were selected using extreme case, critical case and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected with the use of interview guide, focus-group discussion and observation protocols. The data collected were analysed thematically in line with the research questions and emerged patterns from the dataset. The study found out that the dynamics of the conflict revolved around the nature and frames. The findings showed multiple causes that resulted in the exacerbation of the conflict. A major conclusion drawn from the study was that the chieftaincy institution in Akuapem is hurled with conflict which has complex dynamics and thus, has had multiple implications on the stability and development of the society. It is therefore recommended that all stakeholders to the installation are duly left to perform their duties without any intrusion from external parties or outsiders. Moreover, the grievances of these stakeholders should be addressed to ensure smooth running of the processes. This can be ensured by the traditional council of the area.

REDISCOVERING LIFE (POST TRAUMATIC GROWTH ON PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV)

Background: Post-traumatic growth is a life change. People living with HIV who start to adapt to the current condition have a better life and positive emotion by rediscovering happiness. Post-traumatic growth occurs due to individual thoughts regarding life purposes and reviewing their life priorities.
 Objectives: This study aimed to explore the post-traumatic growth process experienced by people living with HIV.
 Methods: This study employed the qualitative study method with a descriptive phenomenology approach on six participants with HIV at Yayasan Sehat Peduli Kasih, Semarang. The participants were selected following the inclusion criteria, i.e., 24-25-year-olds with no cognitive disorders and regular treatments. The exclusion criteria in this study were participants who could not attend the interview process, although the researchers already made recurring appointments. The interview type utilized in this study was a semi-structured interview. The data analysis model in this study followed the data analysis steps of the colaizzi method.
 Results: Four themes emerged as part of post-traumatic growth. The four identified themes in this study are 1) early stage of HIV positive, 2) post-traumatic growth process, 3) becoming a better person after rediscovering life, and 4) future wishes after rediscovering life. The acquired themes are illustrations of post-traumatic growth in rediscovering life.
 Conclusion: Most People living with HIV have rediscovered purposes and wishes, although they continue to eliminate self-stigma and transform self-image to be positive. It is necessary to develop an HIV intervention program to improve and help the sufferers encounter internal stigma. The interventions include any ECT and spiritual mindfulness that focus on improving self-confidence.

URGENSI KISAH NABI TERHADAP PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI

The phenomenon occurs in Indonesia is that many people have high reading interest, but have low reading power. This is due to the educational pattern since childhood which the parents did not pay attention to reading habits and also what materials were read. Based on Montessori's theory, children's fantasies must be limited, so she recommends stories based on true stories. In this study, the researchers would like to present recommendations for building reading habits by providing stories of the prophet from an early age as well as its influence on children's cognitive, emotional and spiritual development. This research uses qualitative descriptive phenomenology research. The subjects of this study were two housewives who gave stories of the prophet to their children. The results of this study indicate that the telling of the prophet's story from a child at an early age is an urgent thing for parents to do in order to form a child who is not only good in character, but also mentally and spiritually.

Internalization of local Values in Early Children's Education on the Bugis Local Wisdom

The Bugis community has the value of local wisdom as a genetic heritage that can be instilled in moral values in early childhood. The purpose of the study was to determine the value of local Bugis understanding in educating children's morals. The research was conducted in Bone. The type and approach used in this research is descriptive qualitative phenomenology. Research informants consisted of several parents of 10 selected children. Data analysis used an interactive descriptive analysis model through the stages of data reduction, presentation, verification, and conclusions. The results show there are several manifestations of local wisdom of the Bugis community in educating children's morals; namely the values of siri (shame and self-respect), ade' (customs) or pangadereng (customs and traditions system), sabbara' na mamekko (patience and silence), reso teng mangingi (relentless hard work), pemmali (abstinence or prohibition against taboos), malempu (honest), and appasitinajang (worthiness or appropriateness)

Lived Experiences of Mistreatment in a General Surgery Residency

Explore the lived experiences of General Surgery residents to identify how they perceive, define mistreatment, and which factors can contribute to or mitigate mistreatment within the Clinical Learning Environment. This is a phenomenological study conducted during 2019-2020 using Giorgi's psychological descriptive phenomenology methodology. Researcher bias, trustworthiness, and triangulation were addressed using bracketing, check-ins with program leadership, comparisons to resident survey, and team consensus based on Consensual Qualitative Research. General Surgery Residency program at Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Texas. All residents in the general surgery program were invited to participate (n= 66, 43% female and 63% non-Hispanic). Specific demographic and identifying data for each participant was not collected. Approximately 50 (76% of program) residents from General Surgery participated. We were able to identify four themes that helped to delineate the lived experience of residents including program cultural factors, resident internal processing, and perceived effects of mistreatment by the residents. The resulting psychological structure and conceptual framework help clarify the interrelations between the themes and the Clinical Learning Environment. The scenarios discussed were adapted and depersonalized to use as prompts for the Forum Theater intervention. This project set out to explore resident's lived experiences and allow the data to reveal the main outcomes. The data was coded and analyzed following strict guidelines from descriptive psychological phenomenology and Consensual Qualitative Research with the aim of informing a later experiential intervention based on Forum Theater. The lived experience of general surgery residents helped identify cultural factors and behaviors that contribute to and/or mitigate mistreatment providing information to plan interventions at the resident and faculty level. Mitigating or stopping mistreatment can improve the Clinical Learning Environment and hence, the quality of training.

Experience Caring for Covid-19 Patients: Phenomenological Study

Covid-19 cases in Indonesia have shown a fairly high increase in several regions and the morbidity rate is also increasing. This requires proper treatment, especially adequate treatment so that the cure rate is increasing. This study aims to get an overview of the experiences of volunteers in providing care to Covid-19 patients. The design used is descriptive phenomenology with in-depth interview method. Participants were volunteers from Health Polytechnic of Jakarta III who treated Covid-19 patients with a total of 12 participants obtained by purposive sampling. The data collected in the form of recorded interviews and field notes were analyzed using the Collaizi technique. The results of the study found that there were 7 (seven) themes, namely: 1) Covid 19 is an infectious disease that threatens life; 2) Nurses' feelings in caring for COVID-19 patients; 3) Supporting and inhibiting factors in treating Covid 19 patients; 4) Support of nurses and families for covid 19 patients; 5) The readiness of nurses in treating Covid-19 patients; Nursing services for COVID-19 patients; and 7) Efforts to prevent the transmission of Covid 19. The results of this study are expected to provide information about the needs of volunteers in providing nursing care to Covid 19 patients.
 Keywords: Phenomenology, volunteer, caring experience, covid-19