The Meaning of Mental Health from Elderly Women's Perspectives: A Basis for Health Promotion

Abstract

PROBLEM. To gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of mental health. METHODS. Qualitative interviews with 16 women between the ages of 71 and 92. The data were collected and analyzed using a phenomenological approach. FINDINGS. The essence of mental health is the experience of confirmation, trust and confidence in the future, as well as a zest for life, development, and involvement in one's relationship to oneself and to others. CONCLUSIONS. Creating arenas for encounters confirming the individual's human existence and dignity is an important basis for the psychiatric nurse's health‐promotion work.

Surviving depressive ill‐health: A qualitative systematic review of older persons' narratives

“…Eight studies were conducted in the USA (Ugarriza, 2002;Pierce et al, 2003;Barg et al, 2006;Soonthrochaiya & Dancy 2006;Black et al, 2007;Switzer et al, 2009;Wittink et al, 2009;Conner et al, 2010), one in the UK (Lawrence et al, 2006), three in Sweden (Hedelin & Strandmark, 2001a;Hedelin & Strandmark, 2001b;Hedelin & Jonsson, 2003) and one in New Zealand (Allan & Dixon, 2009). …”

“…Three studies employed a phenomenological approach (Hedeling & Strandmark, 2001a;Hedelin & Strandmark, 2001b;Hedelin & Jonsson, 2003), while another used cultural consensus analysis . Two studies employed content analysis (Ugarriza, 2002;Conner et al, 2010), two studies qualitative content analysis (Soonthorchaiya & Cancy, 2006;Black et al 2007), while a further two applied grounded theory (Lawrence et al, 2006;Wittink et al, 2009).…”

“…Hedelin and Strandmark (2001a) used a phenomenological approach and an audit trail, which means that other researchers can follow their analysis step by step. Five studies clearly described the steps or stages utilised for identifying categories and themes in the data analysis (Hedelin & Strandmark, 2001b;Hedelin & Jonsson, 2003;Switzer et al, 2006;Allan & Dixon, 2009;Conner et al, 2010).…”

“…Five of the other studies clearly described the steps or stages used for identifying categories and themes in the data analysis (Hedelin & Strandmark, 2001b;Hedelin & Jonsson, 2003;Switzer et al, 2006;Allan & Dixon, 2009;Conner et al, 2010). Hedelin and Strandmark (2002a), Hedelin and Strandmark (2001b) and Hedelin and Jonsson (2003) stated that they employed Giorgi's (l985;1989;l997) method of analysis, which is inspired by…”

District nurses' perspectives on detecting mental health problems and promoting mental health among community‐dwelling seniors with multimorbidity

“…The main question that arises is how DNs can evaluate mental health promotion activities, such as social support, without setting goals. In addition, with the aim of promoting mental health, nurses should focus on a patient's lived experience of mental health and how his or her health may be promoted in general (Hedelin & Strandmark 2001). However, although social support could decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, the recipients must continue to have the ability to choose and perform actions independently to maintain their autonomy (Warner et al 2011).…”