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Johannessen A, Helvik AS, Tevik K, Tjelta T, Thorsen K. The elephant in the room: Metaphors in women's accounts of life with a family member with problematic substance use. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2024; 41:346-363. [PMID: 38903891 PMCID: PMC11186450 DOI: 10.1177/14550725241230744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Research has shown that a family member's problematic substance use has significant deleterious mental and physical health impacts on other members of the family. Women are more often affected than men. These negative health effects persist as the person with problematic substance use ages, and they vary according to the relationship status. Aim: The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how women experience and are affected by their family member's substance use problems. Method: A metaphorical analysis of narrative interviews with 11 daughters and five wives of older adults (>65 years) with problematic substance use. Results: We identified four areas of signification in which metaphors were employed: (1) experiences (chaos and crash and walking on eggshells); (2) strategies (complicity and silencing); (3) dilemmas (deceit or a disease and open or closed dilemmas); and (4) consequences (obtaining or retaining an identity, health and different types of help). Conclusion: Family life with a parent or spouse with a substance use problem was described as chaotic, unsafe, uncertain and with no prospects of change. The study illustrates how metaphors are used to mediate experiences and worldviews pertaining to existential matters founded in deep negative emotions, deceit, shame and stigma. Metaphors make up a crucial material for communicating emotions and themes that are difficult to convey due to shame and stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aud Johannessen
- The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Anne-Sofie Helvik
- The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway; and Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kjerstin Tevik
- The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway; and Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Tjelta
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway USN, Porsgrunn, Norway
| | - Kirsten Thorsen
- The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
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Martin SC, Scott AM, Stone AM. Women's Metaphors About BRCA Gene Testing and How They Can Inform Health Communication Theory and Practice. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:603-615. [PMID: 36775863 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2178051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetic testing can detect whether an individual carries a harmful variant in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 (Breast Cancer 1 or 2) gene which, if present, drastically increases a woman's risk for breast and ovarian cancer. The experience of BRCA gene testing can be an emotionally laden process yielding significant uncertainty. In this study, we examined women's experiences of BRCA gene testing by exploring how participants communicatively framed and made sense of this process through the use of metaphors. Comparing uncertain and unfamiliar experiences to familiar references through metaphor can help people in challenging health-related situations with sense-making and communicating complex emotions. Furthermore, metaphors can be employed as a therapeutic tool by health care professionals, but their use has not often been studied regarding experiences of genetic testing, including BRCA gene testing. We conducted in-depth interviews with 42 women who have undergone BRCA gene testing (regardless of results), and analyzed data using constant comparative techniques. Eight categories of metaphors that women used surrounding BRCA gene testing were evident in the data, including those related to (a) knowledge is power; (b) gambling; (c) a journey; (d) a rollercoaster; (e) battle, disaster, or wreckage; (f) Pandora's box or a can of worms; (g) doom and gloom; and (h) the release or placing of a weight. Results enhance our understanding of women's experiences related to the uncertainty-inducing process of BRCA gene testing and lead to valuable theoretical implications and practical recommendations, including regarding the potential use of metaphors in patient-provider communication about BRCA genetic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer C Martin
- Department of Human Communication Studies, California State University, Fullerton
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Volkmer A, Cartwright J, Ruggero L, Loizidou M, Hardy CJD, Hersh D. Muddles and puzzles: Metaphor use associated with disease progression in Primary Progressive Aphasia. APHASIOLOGY 2023; 38:1100-1117. [PMID: 38708057 PMCID: PMC11068082 DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2023.2257356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Primary Progressive Aphasia describes a language-led dementia and its variants. There is little research exploring the experiences of living with this disease. Metaphor, words that represent something else, have been studied extensively in health-related narratives to gain a more intimate insight into health experiences. Aims This study explored the metaphors used spontaneously by people with PPA, their care partners (family), and speech and language therapists/pathologists (SLT/Ps) providing support along the continuum of care. Methods & Procedures This study examined two previously collected data sets comprising naturalistic talk where metaphors were not the specific focus, the first from focus groups conducted with people with PPA and their families and the second from focus groups conducted with SLT/Ps working with people with PPA. Transcribed data were analysed for metaphor use through an iterative narrative approach. Outcomes & Results In all, 237 examples of metaphorical language were identified in the data, with 14 metaphors from people with PPA, 116 from the families and 106 from SLT/Ps. Different metaphors were used by participants to describe their experiences depending on which variant of PPA they were living with, and people also described their disease differently over time. SLT/Ps also used metaphors, however, their language reflected the structured, professional perspective of delivering speech and language therapy services. Conclusions & Implications SLT/Ps should listen for and recognise the metaphorical language used by people with PPA and their families to ensure therapeutic alignment, see beyond the PPA to recognise the individual's needs, and provide person-centred and empathic support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Volkmer
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, UK
| | - Jade Cartwright
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Leanne Ruggero
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Loizidou
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, UK
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Curtin School of Allied Health, and Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Chris JD Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Deborah Hersh
- Curtin School of Allied Health, and Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Lai M, Jeon YH, McKenzie H, Withall A. Journey to Diagnosis of Young-Onset Dementia: A Qualitative Study of People with Young-Onset Dementia and their Family Caregivers in Australia. DEMENTIA 2023:14713012231173013. [PMID: 37126513 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231173013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to explore the journey to dementia diagnosis and reaction to the diagnosis from the perspective of people with young-onset dementia living in the community from diverse areas in Australia (metropolitan, regional, rural) and their family caregivers. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community-dwelling people with early to moderate young-onset Alzheimer's disease (n = 8) or frontotemporal dementia (n = 5) and one person with both Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, and family caregivers of community-dwelling people with young-onset Alzheimer's disease and/or frontotemporal dementia (n = 28). This study employed interpretive description. Thematic analysis was conducted for emergent themes, comparisons and interplay between themes. FINDINGS The journey to the diagnosis is characterised as involving an extensive period of the gradual worsening of symptoms, drawn out investigations, and difficulties facing the prospect of a diagnosis of young-onset dementia. Participants with young-onset dementia struggled to manage their symptoms and the process of seeking a diagnosis was often slow due to difficulties during the course of their medical investigations and feeling reluctance to face the possibility of having dementia. Once participants finally received the diagnosis of young-onset dementia, participants with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers experienced feelings of devastation and shock, in some cases denial and avoidance, and even, confirmation and relief at having received a diagnosis. In some instances, participants experienced more than one of these reactions. There was a profound realisation by participants that a diagnosis of young-onset dementia had serious implications on their life and future. CONCLUSION The journey to diagnosis was found to be a drawn-out process and receiving the diagnosis was a shock for both people with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers. The findings highlight the significance of the role healthcare professionals play in both the diagnostic and post-diagnostic journey, particularly in terms of supporting patients with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lai
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Yun-Hee Jeon
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather McKenzie
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrienne Withall
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Thorsen K, Johannessen A. How gender matters in demanding caring for a spouse with young-onset dementia. A narrative study. J Women Aging 2023; 35:81-97. [PMID: 35722752 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2022.2087455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gendered aspects of extraordinary demanding spousal caring for people with young-onset dementia have been scarcely researched. AIM To analyze spouses' experiences of the meaning, content, and effort of intensive caring for spouses/partners with young-onset frontotemporal dementia (YO-FTD), concentrating on a female perspective. METHOD A qualitative Norwegian study using narrative interviews with 10 wives and 6 husbands were conducted in 2014 and 2015. FINDINGS The analysis resulted in four gendered main themes: Different caregiving periods, Distancing: experiencing a transformed spouse and relationship, Social isolation, and Needing assistance and relief. A case analysis of wives' and men's stories was applied, especially focusing on a wife's story, to examine the detailed interrelationships between life situation, caring demands, experiences, and reactions. Spousal care is influenced by gendered caring norms and roles. The study finds marked differences between wives and husbands in the meaning, content and sustainability of care, and needs for support vary. Wives endured more stress longer than husbands, with a greater emotional impact and negative health consequences, and their needs are more easily neglected. Husbands presented their needs more efficiently and obtained public relief earlier. CONCLUSION Women may need more support earlier during different stages of caring for a spouse with YO-FTD. They need gender sensitive person-centered support to live their own lives and preserve their selves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Thorsen
- Vestfold Hospital Trust, The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Tønsberg, Norway.,Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aud Johannessen
- Vestfold Hospital Trust, The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, Tønsberg, Norway.,Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
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Intergenerational family relationships and the impact of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD): a qualitative longitudinal study. AGEING & SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x22001088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Research concerning the reciprocal influence of relationships and dementia largely focuses on dyadic relationships despite evidence that whole families are affected. Furthermore, such research generally considers more common forms of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. Behavioural variant fronto-temporal dementia (bvFTD) primarily although not exclusively affects people below the age of 65 and is distinctly different in its impact from more common forms of dementia, affecting social cognition and therefore relational functioning. We aimed to develop a detailed understanding of intergenerational family experiences of bvFTD over time. We adopted a social constructivist and pluralist approach, using Narrative Thematic Analysis and Grounded Theory. We interviewed seven families in their own homes, including the person with bvFTD, at up to three time-points every six to nine months from 2012 to 2014, resulting in 46 interviews with 19 family members. Three super-ordinate themes were identified: Theme 1: We before bvFTD: cohesive and connected – disconnected and distant; Theme 2: Challenges experienced by us; and Theme 3: Relational outcomes: a changing we – an entrenched we. Results emphasise bvFTD brought early and significant disruption to family relationships. The interplay of prior relational functioning, involving the nature of the relationship for family members, the specific impact of bvFTD on these relationships and family member's understanding of bvFTD was critical to how each family fared over the duration of the research, and the relational outcomes they experienced. These findings suggest health-care practice could enhance its support for families living with bvFTD, through the development of tailored, family-oriented approaches to assessment and practice. Such approaches are necessary to understand how families work together and identify interventions that address the family-specific challenges bvFTD brings. The provision of tailored, relational-focused and specialised information concerning the experience of living with bvFTD is needed to flexibly address families' needs and expectations.
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Tranvåg O, Nåden D, Hemberg J. Dignity humiliation as experienced by wives caring for a home-dwelling husband with dementia. Health Care Women Int 2022; 43:1315-1336. [PMID: 35426766 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2022.2062759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we explored key sources that led wives who care for their husbands with dementia at home to experience dignity humiliation - an issue that affects the well-being of women around the world. Through hermeneutic interpretation of in-depth interviews, three key sources of this were identified: interpersonal experiences of people's indifference, curiosity and disrespectful attitudes; interpersonal experiences of limited access to healthcare services and incompassionate treatment by healthcare professionals, and; intrapersonal experiences of self-deprecation. Knowledge of key sources leading to dignity humiliation can be used to improve interdisciplinary healthcare practices and policy development, specifically relating to this group of caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Tranvåg
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Dagfinn Nåden
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jessica Hemberg
- Department of Caring Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, Abo, Finland
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Putland E. The (in)accuracies of floating leaves: How people with varying experiences of dementia differently position the same visual metaphor. DEMENTIA 2022; 21:1471-1487. [PMID: 35148618 PMCID: PMC9237850 DOI: 10.1177/14713012211072507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metaphors help shape the social world. Yet, with research and language guidelines focusing primarily on the stigmatising potential of verbal representations, much greater attention is needed regarding visual metaphors' role in perpetuating and challenging particular views of dementia. Through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, this paper explores how people with dementia and their carers and/or loved ones evaluate one prevalent visual metaphor for dementia that maps autumnal trees losing leaves onto the brain/head. Analysis considers three main responses to the metaphor, that: (1) it does not depict dementia; (2) it meaningfully explains a biomedical account of progressive brain deterioration; and (3) it reinforces inaccurate and/or 'hopeless' discourses of what having dementia involves, with individuals suggesting creative alterations to better fit their counter discourses. These findings foreground the importance of attending to subjectivity, nuance and multi-layered discourses within visual metaphors, which can indirectly convey stigmatising representations.
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