Nguyen Megan, Malone Margaret M, Bailey Annette, Lapum Jennifer
Megan Nguyen, MN, BScN, RN, is PhD Student, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Margaret M. Malone, PhD, MA, RN, BAAN, is Professor, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Annette Bailey, PhD, MSN, BScN, RN, is Professor, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Jennifer Lapum, PhD, MN, BScN, RN, is Professor, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Gastroenterol Nurs. 2018 Nov/Dec;41(6):516-524. doi: 10.1097/SGA.0000000000000357.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic digestive disorder that commonly affects women. Research has shown that the illness experience of irritable bowel syndrome can disrupt social relationships. However, the area of intimate relationships has yet to be explored despite the deep involvement that intimate partners often have in the experience of living with chronic illness. Using a critical feminist lens, a narrative methodology was employed to explore women's experiences of intimate relationships while living with irritable bowel syndrome. Data collection methods included semistructured interviews and an arts-informed activity. The women's narrative accounts and artistic pieces reflected the emotional, physical, and interpersonal aspects of intimacy while living with irritable bowel syndrome. The findings indicated that women's experiences were deeply emotional and involved laborious and gendered emotion work. Their body concept complicated their relationship experiences. Women's emotional and social well-being was fostered by their partners' provision of acceptance, understanding, and support. The findings highlighted the need to implement and further explore the inclusion of emotional support and counselling as well as dyadic and gendered approaches to irritable bowel syndrome management.
肠易激综合征是一种常见于女性的慢性消化系统疾病。研究表明，肠易激综合征的患病经历会破坏社会关系。然而，尽管亲密伴侣通常深度参与慢性病患者的生活体验，但亲密关系领域尚未得到探索。运用批判女性主义视角，采用叙事方法来探究女性在患有肠易激综合征时的亲密关系体验。数据收集方法包括半结构化访谈和一项艺术启发活动。女性的叙事记录和艺术作品反映了患有肠易激综合征时亲密关系的情感、身体和人际方面。研究结果表明，女性的经历充满情感，涉及繁重且具有性别特征的情感劳动。她们的身体观念使她们的关系体验变得复杂。伴侣给予的接纳、理解和支持促进了女性的情感和社会幸福感。研究结果强调了实施并进一步探索将情感支持与咨询以及针对肠易激综合征管理的二元和性别化方法纳入其中的必要性。
