Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study leading to this comparison between interpreting a mirror image and interpreting a text was to study the experience of viewing themselves in the mirror for women who have had a mastectomy.
Methods: A purposeful sample of 12 women shared their stories of viewing themselves in the mirror 3-12 months post-mastectomy in tape recorded semi-structured interviews. The data was transcribed and analyzed using Ricoeur's hermeneutic phenomenology and methodology. A native reading, a structural analysis and a phenomenological interpretation uncovered a description of viewing self in the mirror.
Results: The women's stories suggested there were four key moments in the experience of viewing self in the mirror: I am, I decide, I see, and I consent. These moments align closely with the major tenants of Ricoeur's philosophy of the will: decision, action, and consent. The participant's words suggested one sees in the mirror in three different ways: with the eyes, the mind's eye and one sees/interprets one's own meaning. The concepts of explanation, understanding, distanciation and appropriation were aspects of seeing/interpreting the meaning of what is seen in the mirror. These concepts are also key concepts in Ricoeur's philosophy of interpreting a text.
Conclusion: This study acts as a paradigm case in which Ricoeur's philosophy of textual interpretation extended to the human condition. Globally, knowledge of this experience may be of interest to nurses who work with patients where a mirror is required to view recent bodily trauma and/or surgery. Sensitive nursing mirror interventions are considered including pre and post-operative dialogue and education; and empowering women with the knowledge that it is alright to view self in the mirror alone, or with the support of a nurse, physician and/or loved one. Nursing practice, education and research needs concerning the use of the mirror are explored.
Sigma Membership
Beta Beta (Houston)
Lead Author Affiliation
Texas Woman's University, Houston, Texas, USA
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Mirror, Mastectomy, Hermeneutic Phenomenology
Recommended Citation
Freysteinson, Wyona M., "Interpreting the changed me in the mirror: Viewing self after a mastectomy" (2012). INRC (Congress). 35.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2012/presentations_2012/35
Conference Name
23rd International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Brisbane, Australia
Conference Year
2012
Rights Holder
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Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Interpreting the changed me in the mirror: Viewing self after a mastectomy
Brisbane, Australia
Purpose: The purpose of the study leading to this comparison between interpreting a mirror image and interpreting a text was to study the experience of viewing themselves in the mirror for women who have had a mastectomy.
Methods: A purposeful sample of 12 women shared their stories of viewing themselves in the mirror 3-12 months post-mastectomy in tape recorded semi-structured interviews. The data was transcribed and analyzed using Ricoeur's hermeneutic phenomenology and methodology. A native reading, a structural analysis and a phenomenological interpretation uncovered a description of viewing self in the mirror.
Results: The women's stories suggested there were four key moments in the experience of viewing self in the mirror: I am, I decide, I see, and I consent. These moments align closely with the major tenants of Ricoeur's philosophy of the will: decision, action, and consent. The participant's words suggested one sees in the mirror in three different ways: with the eyes, the mind's eye and one sees/interprets one's own meaning. The concepts of explanation, understanding, distanciation and appropriation were aspects of seeing/interpreting the meaning of what is seen in the mirror. These concepts are also key concepts in Ricoeur's philosophy of interpreting a text.
Conclusion: This study acts as a paradigm case in which Ricoeur's philosophy of textual interpretation extended to the human condition. Globally, knowledge of this experience may be of interest to nurses who work with patients where a mirror is required to view recent bodily trauma and/or surgery. Sensitive nursing mirror interventions are considered including pre and post-operative dialogue and education; and empowering women with the knowledge that it is alright to view self in the mirror alone, or with the support of a nurse, physician and/or loved one. Nursing practice, education and research needs concerning the use of the mirror are explored.