The Meaning of Suffering

Paper Summary:

The paper explains how Margaret Newman's theory provides a way of answering the question about suffering and meaning. The paper discusses how patients have to understand the meaning in their healing experience by comprehending the patterns and processes that are linked with the larger world. The paper shows how Newman's theory is especially useful with patients who have to come to terms with illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or Spina Bifida.

Outline:
Introduction
Experience
Reflection
Analysis
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"I once met a patient who had such painful arthritis that she needed to be set to the psychiatric unit for evaluation. Mrs. B was in so much pain that she was very depressed that the staff members were afraid she would harm herself. She was asking why this was happening to her, and saying that she could not take it anymore. No staff member was capable of responding to her question and comment. The experience made me realize that we see patients suffering all the time. What can be said to Mrs. B or to any patient who is going through enormous physical, emotional or spiritual suffering?"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alligood, M. & Marriner Tomey, A. (2002). Nursing theory. St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby.

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