2006 Student Research Conference:
19th Annual Student Research Conference

Human Potential and Performance

Putting the Pieces Together: The Lived Experience of Mental Illness
Mark A. Litwiller
Ms. Rebecca P. McClanahan, Faculty Mentor

This case study was conducted for the purpose of understanding the unique lived experience of mental illness over the course of a five-week in-depth analysis within a psychosocial rehabilitation program. Nursing diagnoses, outcomes, and interventions were selected from the standardized nursing language of the North American Nursing diagnosis Association, the Nursing Outcomes Classification taxonomy, and the Nursing Intervention Classification taxonomy. The metaphor of a puzzle and pieces was used to represent the essence of the nurse-client relationship, as well as the client’s lived experience of mental illness. Emergent themes consistent with this interaction included mind, body, and spirit. The caring themes utilized by the nursing student was accompaniment of the client during this interaction included counseling, coping enhancement, mood management, active listening, symptom control, and spiritual growth facilitation.

Keywords: mind, body, spirit, coping enhancement, mood management, active listening, growth, symptom control

Topic(s):Nursing

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: 60-48
Location: OP Lobby and Atrium
Time: 4:15

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