Dignity as an Intersubjective Phenomenon: Experiences of Dyads Living With Serious Illness. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Persson, Carina; Benzein, Eva; Morberg Jämterud, Sofia
• Is Part Of: Qualitative health research. Volume 30:Number 13(2020)
• Page Start: 1989
• Page End: 2000
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: dignity -- serious illness -- palliative care -- dyads -- family -- lived experience -- health care professional -- qualitative -- phenomenological-hermeneutical method -- Sweden; Health -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 610.7205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049732320938343
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7323

Abstract

Research results suggest that illness can undermine patients' dignity and that dignity can be understood as an experience formed in communion with others. The aim of this study was, therefore, to illuminate the meanings of lived experiences of dignity as an intersubjective phenomenon from the perspective of dyads in palliative care. The authors analyzed transcripts from interviews with nine dyads using a phenomenological–hermeneutical method. Within the contexts of the dyadic relationship and the dyadic–health care professional relationship, the authors' interpretation revealed two meanings based on the participants' lived experiences: "Being available, " related to responding and being responded to in terms of answerability and we-ness, and "Upholding continuity, " linked to feeling attached through the maintenance of emotional bonds and being connected through upholding valued activities and qualities in daily living. The authors further reflected on the meanings in relation to philosophically grounded concepts such as presence, objectification, dependence, and dyadic body.