Exploring the Use of the Memoir in Psychiatric Nursing

Date of Award

2010

Document Type

Thesis

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Concentration

Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Abstract

Part of psychiatric mental health nursing can be viewed as listening to and/or telling stories (Foster, McAllister, & O'Brien, 2006) which contain biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual factors. Exploring individual stories can help us to better appreciate the complexity of mental disorders and the various ways individuals come to make meaning of their illness (Casey & Long, 2003). To understand and promote recovery from mental illnesses, it is important to study the subjective perspectives of individuals who are living and coping with them. The aim of this study is to explore how memoirs of family members and individuals with serious mental illnesses often contain profound themes which can serve as valuable resources. This study adds to the body of knowledge that addresses how memoirs can be used as teaching tools for psychiatric clinicians and increases engagement in learning material, while also investigating creative ways to learn about the complex issues surrounding mental illness.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS