| Learning Objective #1: Participants will state three ways that the analysis of imaginative literature contributes to our ability to study sensitive topics. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Participants will identify the contribution literary analysis has made to our understanding of human suffering. |
Sensitive topics like child sexual abuse, and racism present challenges to nurse researchers. These events are associated with great human suffering and their victims are considered especially vulnerable. Sensitive topics, by definition, refer to matters or issues that are not readily disclosed, and need to be handled tactfully, using great care and respect. The analysis of imaginative literature enables a sustained examination of sensitive topics that meets these requirements.
Purpose: This presentation will describe the serendipitous results of a study that examined human suffering in five novels by African-American writers. The study’s original aims were to further understand suffering and the situations in which suffering is perceived as intolerable. Because suffering is a consequence of both racism and child sexual abuse the findings contributed to knowledge of these sensitive topics as well.
Method: The analysis was guided by cultural and literary paradigm as well as nursing theory. When they were applied to the novels new information was revealed. This process will be explained and demonstrated in the presentation.
Findings: The results indicate that racism and abuse contribute to human suffering as evidenced by the fragmentation of self and resultant loss of humanity, powerless, and voiceless of the characters in the novels. Mistrust emerged as a consequence of suffering specific to the experience of racism.
Discussion: The results of this study add to knowledge and support existing research on human suffering although the analysis of imaginative literature emerged as a valuable approach to the study of sensitive and disturbing topics like racism and abuse.
Many sensitive topics, like racism and child abuse, are important concerns for nurses and present significant challenges to nurse researchers. The analysis of imaginative literature enables us to move beyond conventional approaches to research and explore sensitive issues in order to better understand and treat human suffering.
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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)