Paper
Thursday, July 22, 2004
This presentation is part of : Community and Health Promotion
Intentionality in Healing: Expanded Conceptual Framework
Rothlyn P. Zahourek, PhD, APRN, BC, HNC, School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Self employed practitioner; University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
Learning Objective #1: Describe expanded definitions of intentionality in a healing context
Learning Objective #2: Explain a developmental process of intentionality and healing in both the healer and the healee
Objective: In numerous healing traditions and in several integrative modalities (e.g. Therapeutic Touch and intercessory prayer) intentionality is seen as the basis for healing, Seldom has this concept been explored or described from a research base other than defining intentionality as a purposeful mental attitude. The goal of this research was to fill this gap with more holistic definitions and descriptions of intentionality, to clarify its role in healing and to subsequently develop a theory of intentionality in healing. This presentation will focus on one aspect of the theory development: the derived definitions and processes of healing and intentionality as described by participants and then abstracted into formal definitions and processes used in the theory.

Design and methods: Grounded theory qualitative research using combined approaches of participant interview and observation of healing encounters. A synthesis approach to analysis using the constant comparative method described by Eaves (2001) and creative memoing methods described by Ely (1997) were utilized in the data analysis.

Population: Six nurse-healers who practiced a holistic integrative modality (Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, hypnosis, Amma therapy) and six healee-clients who experienced problems ranging from life threatening chronic illness to stress management.

Results: The theory of intentionality in healing is comprised of definitions and processes. First, healing is a process leading to an awareness of shift. Intentionality, an integral awareness of that shift, develops uniquely and in two forms within each individual. Both processes are motivated by need and perceived disequilibrium and are mediated by experiences, relationships, and opportunities.

Implications: The theory provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding both intentionality and healing and thereby contributes to the knowledge base of each. The definitions and processes outlined serve as beginning frameworks for evaluating clinical work, creating education of both healers and healees, and for further research development.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004