Exploring the Experiences of Positive Adjustments - Article Example

A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE EXPERIENCES OF PEOPLE WHO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS HAVING ADJUSTED POSITIVELY TO A VISIBLE DIFFERENCE Student Name: Student P number: Module: Module code: Submission deadline: Aims Questions and/or Hypothesis The study aimed at exploring the experiences of positive adjustments among 12 people that have a range of viable differences. The thematic analysis was relevant as they covered themes of growth, importance of appearance, coping and relationships with others. However, including background study of the individuals would also have been relevant. It would have looked to provide an in depth analysis as one follows in the footsteps of the individuals under this research study (Ayers 2007). As much as change is inevitable, it might be hard to neither determine nor acknowledge. The focus of this study on investigating positive experiences the adjustment to ‘re-living with a difference that is visible. Research questions covered were on the positive consequences of living with these differences, they considered positive, why and the contributing factors to this positive experience. Rationale and Justification of the Study Ideally, the rationale of the research is detachable. As stated in the introduction, the research was mostly based of the experience of people who have reported having problems. The research leaned toward the individuals who have stated having problems on both negative outcomes and social situations. Additionally there was a failure when identifying available quantitative measures used in assessment of positive outcomes. On the plus side, there has been little research about positive outcomes and resilience among individuals with a visible difference. Most previous research I came across majored on individual disfiguring conditions. As assumed that the challenges faced by individuals with visible differences are alike (Marinell & Dell-orto 1984). This was irrespective of the cause or disfigurement they suffered. Since the challenges fac­ing people who have a visible difference are typi­cally similar, regardless of the type or cause of disfigurement, this qualitative study has explored the issues of resilience and positive outcomes among a group of individuals with a range of vis­ible differences. This study also explores positive outcomes and pliability among a group of individuals with an array of visible differences. Note that persons with a higher pliability rate tend to employ positive emotions. Additionally, an individual can speculate, hence; people who display characteristics of poor adaptation in relation to their visible differences are mostly low in pliability and tend to display emotions that are more negative. Some individuals under the study indicated that they handled or rather took each day as it came. These individuals accepted all negative impacts and deemed the impacts as a livelihood that one has to encounter occasionally. They believed this to be a way of channeling emotions out as opposed to building them up (Marinell & Dell-orto 1984). Some research states that sense of humor is among the effective strategy to copping with the disfigurement. It is applicable as a destruction technique and a responsive way to any challenging remarks toward their appearance. Sarcasm, self-deprecation, and understatement are also effective copping strategies. Clarity Fundamentally, the problem statement was clearly defined with the research pointing out on areas that are omitted in most research. The study emphasizes that having any form of visible difference does not necessarily imply that one is bond to have negative experiences. Furthermore, the study indicates that some heath experts need to diversify their awareness of the existing sources of difference. There was rich data produced from the group interviews. The data played vital roles on the benefaction form the interviews’ interactions with one another. There was openness between the interviewees in the group discussions (Lo & Maclean 2001). Their response to points made was clearly beneficial in terms of the information they generated. The various small groups paved way for good relation with others and encouraged them into asking personal questions amongst one another. Frith’s assertion that gaining of knowledge on topics or issues under research is ideal in focus groups is supported. Additionally, researchers can clearly get awareness of power with every view as they are held and to comprehend the manner in which participants rationalize and defend these views. However, one can argue that the participated in appearance related case studies, it was stated that no one of the participants had attempted any before. This research has outlined that having visible difference does not necessarily imply that one is bound to have a negative experience. Support is beckoned upon those affected to steer off conventions that this is the case. Additionally, the research findings recommend that a click of health experts need greater consciousness of existing sources of support that is available for individuals having a visible difference as well as informing the beneficiaries of these resources (Ayers 2007). Methodology and Methods The selection of the participants was ideal and appropriate. However, there was no substantial range as majority of the participants’ were of above age thirty. I believe the research should have gone an extra mile to locate participants in their twenties. As for the data collection methods, there were group interviews, face to face and three telephone interviews. The interview was open ended and based on previous literature (Hooper 1992). Additional data and information collection methods would have come in handy. If the study had made questionnaires, and have them distributed around it would have gathered a wide variety of information. Considering that the individuals affected by the visible differences live in the very society that we live in. Their reactions, adaptation and lively hood are directly to some degree affected by our existence. The questionnaires might not be directed at individuals with disfigurement but also those who have encountered such individuals in their lives (Hooper 1992). This approach would have shade more light on the topic under research. Additionally, the groups would have been given questionnaires to fill. Questionnaires tend to have a sense of privacy and individuals or rather the participants for this case would have freely expressed more issues that are personal. As opposed to the group interview, face to face and the telephone interviews, questionnaires would have come in handy. However, it is keen to note that the group interviews also gave courage to participants to open up. Considering that individuals might be having similar experienced with their conditions, opening up of a participant can light a fire into another participant to air his or her views. Conclusively, the group interview was also a great approach to undertake. Population Definition and Sample Selection Sample and data collection approach was pragmatically. The study opted to choose a focus group interview as the fundamental means of data sampling and collection. This approach was ideal in the sense that it encourages participants to beseech their memories and attitudes amongst themselves. A predefined criterion for selecting the interviewees was ideal. Only participants that met the criteria were picked for the study. The selected were well informed prior the interview day all that entailed of the study and what were expected of them (Dell-Orto & Power 2007). Ethical Issues Ethical issues were adhered to an optimum level. The participant selection criterion ensured that they conformed to all necessary university approvals and NHS rules and regulations. All participants were expected to be adults hence were over eighteen years of age. The participant selection criterion specified that they had a self-reported difference that was visible. Additionally, they needed to have been previously partaken in an appearance related research study. They also needed to have self-claimed that they managed well with their visible difference. Reporting and Interpretations of Results Ideally, this research has contributed to the literature body. Its sole focus was on positive facets of visible differences. The research challenges research findings that having a visible difference is predominantly a negative experience. As explained, individuals who perceive themselves to have positively adjusted to their visible difference, stand a chance to make significant contributions to study research in this field or area. However, additional research is needed to substantiate the findings in this research. Potential participants or subject individuals should be from a variety of ethnic geographical locations and backgrounds (Lo & Maclean 2001). Deeper quantitative research ought to explore the scope of positive outcomes and their contributing factors. In this research, there were participants who defined how they outplayed little implication on both value and appearance and other qualities very highly. Some participants also discussed how they had tried to overcome the stigma that came with the visible difference. They achieved this by engaging in open talks as opposed to covering up their disfigurement or camouflaging. I believe that the study was precise (Lo & Maclean 2001). The flow of events and analysis of information gathered was of quality. There was little use of statistical data and diagrams but the findings were well documented and comprehendible. Groping interview method as used in this study is among the contributing factors to better interpretation of results. As a participant tries to elaborate or share their stories and views to others, they tend to be more vivid and stress on points they want to pass across. Ultimately, this leads to a better understanding when gathering data. Conclusion Implication and Recommendations There is a small amount of existing research study in this field. This study has looked at positive characteristics of disfigurement among persons with conditions. This study expounded on the experiences of persons with a variety of differences that are visible. The study also highlighted on positive significances that were similar. The approaches used demonstrate on both individual and group interviews and their effectiveness. Additionally, it demonstrates the utility of opting or rather preferring a positive approach as opposed to a problem focused approach when one bears in mind the psychosocial impact of individuals’ visible differences they face (Dell-Orto & Power 2007). Insight into a wider variety of mechanisms developed and exploited as positive alterations to visible differences is eminent. The provision of care can be informed from such findings on manners of how to include development of intervention in an attempt to promote positive alterations alongside researched pointing to help persons who experience difficulty adapting to a visible change. References AYERS, S. (2007). Cambridge handbook of psychology, health and medicine. Cambridge [etc.], Cambridge University Press. DELL-ORTO, A. E., & POWER, P. W. (2007). The psychological & social impact of illness and disability. New York, Springer Pub. Co. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10176176. Hopper, R. (1992) Conversation. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press. Lo R and MacLean D (2001) The Dynamics of Coping and Adapting to the Impact When Diagnosed with Diabetes. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing MARINELLI, R. P., & DELL ORTO, A. E. (1984). The Psychological and social impact of physical disability. New York, Springer Pub. Co. (Marinell & Dell-orto 1984) Read More