The lived experience of type 1 diabetes in adulthood: a phenomenological study

Lilly, Anne LeMessurier (2004) The lived experience of type 1 diabetes in adulthood: a phenomenological study. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[img] [English] PDF - Accepted Version
Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission.

Download (4MB)

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes in adulthood permeates every aspect of life. While previous research has been carried out on the experience of living with type 1 diabetes, none of it has been written from the perspective of a nurse researcher with type 1 diabetes, who was one of the participants in this phenomenological study. van Manen's (1997) method of inquiry was used to explore the meaning of the lived experience of type 1 diabetes in adulthood. Unstructured interviews were conducted with five women and three men. Eight themes were identified from data analysis: (1) constant vigilance, (2) struggling for stability, (3) striving for freedom, (4) surviving perceived noncompliance, (5) the lived experience of blood glucose fluctuations, (6) enduring sustained uncertainty, (7) family support: sustaining or smothering, and (8) being alone with diabetes. These findings go beyond previous research in that they reveal a discerning insight into the depth of the ongoing impact of type 1 diabetes on the lives of these eight adults. In addition, the findings highlight the ways in which these adults meet the challenges of type 1 diabetes with perseverance, courage, and pride in their achievements, and how they continuously strive to live happy and productive lives.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
URI: http://research.library.mun.ca/id/eprint/10900
Item ID: 10900
Additional Information: Bibliography: leaves 141-150.
Department(s): Nursing, Faculty of
Date: 2004
Date Type: Submission
Library of Congress Subject Heading: Diabetes--Treatment; Diabetics--Medical care.
Medical Subject Heading: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1--drug therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1--psychology; Adult.

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over the past year

View more statistics