The use of qualitative methodologies together with visual methods is being incorporated into different lines of research to offer an alternative form of expression that can provide richer and more meaningful data. The objective of this study was to analyse the use of life histories and lifelines in the study of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the context of cross-cultural research in participants with language differences. We explored the strengths and challenges of the combined use of both the lifelines and life stories of women who have been subjected to FGM. The lifeline tool was employed during the second interview with our participants, and the results of this work are explored here by examining the lifelines of three of the participants. The use of two techniques strengthened the researchers' knowledge of women’s lives and facilitated reflection and critical thinking by the study participants, generating richer and more in-depth data on the study problem. The difficulties that some women had in the communication process are diminished by the visual and chronological representation of the events in the lifelines. The visualization of their lifelines and the realization of this activity for which they did not feel capable due to their lack of education, empowered them, generating a great personal satisfaction. The results of this study confirm the usefulness of combining visual and narrative methods in groups where communication difficulties are an obstacle to the collection of information. Exploring new forms of expression and data collection can give voice to underrepresented groups in qualitative research.
In this article, we explore the beliefs, values and attitudes about female genital mutilation in the diaspora of sub-Saharan women and how the migration process has influenced these beliefs. Our qualitative analysis of the life stories and lifelines of 10 women in the sub-Saharan diaspora in light of the Social Convention Theory indicated that making public statements about the topic is complex and that the taboo permeating the practice remains intact even outside of Africa. Furthermore, we discovered that, in our context, this practice was not a requirement and did not improve the chances of marriage, with female behaviours considered ‘appropriate’ instead gaining value. Any interventions based on this theory must consider the broad networks that help shape marriages in this diaspora. This work opened new lines of research regarding the situation of the diaspora of sub-Saharan women and the relationship of the practice of female genital mutilation with marriage.
Background. Children with cancer are subjected to aggressive tests and treatments that can affect their emotional states. Studies available in the academic literature analyse the effect of music therapy on the emotions of these patients are scarce. Objectives. The objective of this study was to explore and transform the emotional responses that may arise with the application of music therapy (MT) in children with oncological pathology. Methods. The methodology of this study was based on the participatory action research approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 27 children with cancer who participated in 65MT sessions. Interviews were also conducted with their families. Results. We conducted a thematic analysis using MAXQDA software. Three main categories emerged from this process as follows: (1) expression: children with cancer stated that MT made it easier for them to express their emotions, with indirect benefits to families; (2) participation: patients showed interest in the sessions; and (3) experiences: MT was valued and created a positive environment. The results of this research demonstrate the positive transformative power MT had on children with cancer in terms of their emotions. Conclusions. Positive results were achieved through MT that encouraged the expression of emotions by children with cancer and favoured and improved their moods. In addition, it also encouraged social interactions in the hospital and helped the children to better cope with their illness through self-awareness. Their families also benefited. Therefore, we encourage healthcare professionals to support the use of MT in paediatric oncology settings.
The aim of this study was to understand the perspectives of female residents of Spain from West Africa in terms of the factors that condition their lives. Pierre Bourdieu’s theory and the model of intersectionality formed the framework we used to qualitatively analyse the life stories of these women, which was complemented with life lines. The results showed us that traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage are part of the social habitus of this group and they relate to each other through the several types of violence that occurs throughout their lives. In addition, in reference to the African community, these women were no longer African, while in terms of the Spanish community, they did not seem Spanish. At a health, political, and social level, this knowledge can help us to understand this group and to create personalised targeted interventions for them.
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