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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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Overcash, Janine (Ph.D)., Narrative in understanding the elements affecting the lives of older women with breast cancer. (Angrosino). 2002
The purpose of this descriptive study is to understand some of the issues that affect the lives of older women (70 and over) diagnosed with breast cancer. This study used participant narratives obtained through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a small, but illustrative number of such women, who were asked to tell of life experiences before, during and after the diagnosis and treatment associated with cancer. All 12 participants were undergoing treatment (radiation, hormonal, or chemotherapy) at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. Interviews were conducted at various sites within the cancer center and at the hon1es of some of the participants. Two to three interview encounters per participant, each lasting approximately one hour, were scheduled. Interviews were taped and transcribed. Informed consent was obtained prior to the interview process. Participants were encouraged to have support persons participate in the interviews.
Three criteria were used to analyze the data to identify themes, as developed by Owen (1984); recurrence of ideas, repetition using the same terminology, and Forcefulness of verbal or nonverbal cues. Thel11es, using intra-thematic and inter¬ thematic analysis, were then compared to the Quality of Life (QOL) and chronic illness/disease literature. Personal definitions of QOL and aging were also discussed. Eight major themes and 22 minor themes were identified. The major themes were; Importance of God (8/12), Positive Attitude (7/12), No Alteration in Lifestyle (6/12), Physician Trust (6/12), Caregiver to Others (6/12), Importance of Health (6/12), Importance of Family (9/12). The eight major themes are similar in terminology, but varied in individual meanings. Themes were more consistent with the QOL literature than the chronic illness/disease literature. People with a diagnosis of breast cancer may also be a primary caregiver to another person. Many of the participants are very active despite a diagnosis of cancer and age 70 and over. Personal definitions of QOL reflected consistent concepts as noted in current literature.
This applied anthropology project will be the basis of inservice training workshops offered to the staff at the cancer center concerning the use of narrative in the aging population.
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