Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2024
Document Type
Thesis (699 registration)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Counseling
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Aaron Suomala Folkerds
Keywords
chronic illness, phenomenology, counseling
Abstract
The population of individuals experiencing a chronic illness are a marginalized group. This vulnerable status necessitates informed practice by the counseling establishment. This study examines the experiences of the chronically ill population during their participation in mental health treatment to better understand their experiences and inform future practice and research. This study employed phenomenological methodology as described by Creswell (2007) and Moustakas (1994), to examine the lived experiences of four participants drawn from a Fargo area mutual aid group for individuals with ostomies. Seven themes were identified from the resulting data. Four themes related to the experience of chronic illness were: the medical journey, layers of stigma & isolation, loss & grief, and perspective & healing. Three themes related to participants' experiences in mental health treatment were: the therapeutic alliance, practical knowledge & support, and advocacy & access. These themes facilitate discussion into the needs of the chronically ill population and how mental health treatment can more effectively respond to those needs.
Recommended Citation
Tutt, Marshall, "The Experiences of Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions Participating in Mental Health Treatment A Phenomenological Study" (2024). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 928.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/928