Hatthakit U, Aryal KP, Timalsina R. Phenomena of Psychological Sufferings Among Nepalese Stroke Survivors and Analysis of Applicability of Samkhya Philosophy for Enhancing Their Psychological Wellbeing.
SAGE Open Nurs 2021;
7:2377960820988396. [PMID:
35198733 PMCID:
PMC8859672 DOI:
10.1177/2377960820988396]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Psychological suffering is commonly found among stroke survivors,
particularly in the acute stage.
Objectives
This study aimed to explore the phenomenon of psychological sufferings of
stroke survivors and analyze the applicability of Samkhya
philosophy for enhancing their psychological wellbeing.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted at a university hospital of Nepal among 16
stroke patients in the acute stage, selected by purposive sampling. Data
collection was done by using semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed
using deductive content analysis. Additionally, the analysis of
Samkhya philosophy was done by using descriptive
literature review from online databases.
Results
Stroke survivors in the acute stage experienced psychological sufferings,
which were analyzed as intrinsic, extrinsic, and divine based on
Samkhya philosophy. The intrinsic sufferings were (a)
shock and denial with a sudden loss of normal body function, (b) worry about
the possibility of lifelong disability and future life, and (c) fear and
concern about the consequences of the disease to self. The extrinsic
sufferings consisted of (a) worry when thinking about dependent family
members and (b) feelings of making trouble or being a burden to the family
members because of their dependency. The divine suffering consisted of
feeling of being a burden caused by distress resulting from an inability to
perform religious rituals. Samkhya philosophy explains the
methods of relieving these sufferings by using yoga
practice.
Conclusion
Psychological sufferings are prevalent among Nepalese stroke survivors, and
Samkhya philosophy might be one of suitable strategies
to relieve these sufferings of the Hindu stroke survivors in the acute
stage, and promote their psychological wellbeing. This study recommends
integrating yoga in caring for stroke patients in the acute
stage to promote psychological wellbeing.
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