This discussion presents a critical analysis of a qualitative study named: ‘The experience of viewing oneself in the mirror after a mastectomy’. The paper focuses on the purpose of the study, literature review, research question, theoretical framework and problem statement. The authors of the article wanted to examine the experience women after mastectomy.
Problem Statement
Breast cancer is a major problem affecting many people today. Mastectomy is a key treatment regime for different types of breast cancer (Freysteinson, Deutsch, Lewis, Sisk, Wuest & Cesario, 2012). Negative feelings, depression and psychosocial distress are closely associated with mastectomy and breast cancer. After undergoing mastectomy, women experience new feelings of sexuality, self-consciousness and femininity. Although mastectomy might change their image, the women experience hard times as they try to adjust to their new images. The researchers used the idea of the mirror to address the existing gap. This helped them understand how women could be encouraged to use mirrors effectively. The research wanted to explore and describe the experience of women after viewing themselves in a mirror. It is also notable that the authors offered appropriate information thus helping the reader understand the significance of the study (Burns & Grove, 2011). The findings would help come up with new ideas and psychological interventions for women after mastectomy. Since there are many people suffering from breast cancer and other terminal diseases today, the study targeted to improve the existing theories and ideas regarding the multifaceted experience of women after mastectomy.
Purpose and Research Questions
From the article, it is quite clear that the authors had identified the purpose of their study from the start. Although the authors did not define their research questions, it is evident that they wanted to understand the feelings of women after viewing themselves in the mirror after surgery. The other probable question was to understand the mixed reactions after viewing oneself in a mirror. With the above approach, the authors linked the problem of the topic to the questions and purpose of the study (Freysteinson et al., 2012). The authors used a qualitative approach to answer the above research questions appropriately thus making the study successful. The use of Ricoeur’s hermeneutic phenomenology made it possible to gather feedbacks from different participants.
Literature Review
Literature review is essential because it forms the best background for a qualitative study. The authors also cited other quantitative studies that were relevant to the research topic. They also used different literature on the issue of breast cancer and suffering arising from the terminal illness. Such earlier studies made it easier to present adequate background for the study. The author also used current references to make the study current and meaningful. As well, older qualitative studies were relevant towards presenting the needed ideas and concepts regarding the issue of breast cancer and psychosocial developments (Freysteinson et al., 2012).
The authors also evaluated the quality, position and gaps in the available studies. For instance, the authors indicated that most of the current studies only identified the absence of mirrors in hospitals as a major challenge. These studies did not explain why the use of mirrors was necessary for patients suffering from breast cancer. The weaknesses and gaps identified in such studies presented new ideas for the current study. The article identified the existing gaps whereby earlier studies failed to establish the relevance of mirrors for women after mastectomy (Freysteinson et al., 2012). With such information, the authors were in a position of presenting adequate information to build a logical argument and appropriate background for the study.
Theoretical Framework
The use of theoretical framework is common in qualitative studies. In this particular study, the authors identified a specific perspective to develop their study. The theoretical perspective included the use of phenomenology. For instance, human beings have a birthright to view themselves in a mirror (Freysteinson et al., 2012). This made it easier to use a proper research approach. The phenomenological interpretation of the study yielded the required results.
After conducting the study, the authors developed a framework as part of their study findings. This is a common practice whenever a researcher decides to use the grounded theory method of qualitative inquiry. The framework included a phenomenological interpretation to record four themes. It thus becomes clear that the framework played a significant role to help explain the experience of women after mastectomy. The study offered the needed understanding regarding the complex experience of women after mastectomy (Freysteinson et al., 2012). The findings offered essential information regarding the use of mirrors for the mastectomy site.
Summary
In summary, the authors of the qualitative study used the best theoretical framework, interpretations, and study approaches to gather the needed information and ideas. The authors used grounded theory for the qualitative study to gather the needed information for future practice. The study explained the importance of mirrors as essential tools in caring and viewing for the mastectomy site (Freysteinson et al., 2012). This study presents useful information and ideas that can help nurses offer the best support and care to women before and after mastectomy. Nurses can discuss the mirror experience with patients having mastectomy.
Reference List
Burns, N. & Grove, S. (2011). Understanding Nursing Research. New York: Elsevier.
Freysteinson, W., Deutsch, A., Lewis, C., Sisk, A., Wuest, L. & Cesario, S. (2012). The Experience of Viewing Oneself in the Mirror After a Mastectomy. Oncology Nursing Forum, 39(4), 361-369.