A qualitative phenomenological venture of individuals’ experiences with a phobia

What is it about?

To raise awareness concerning continuous existence of phobia and its implications to lifestyle and health aspects psychiatric nursing, in particular, and the future steps that could gradually decline occurrence in relation to the nursing practice in a community setting, this descriptive phenomenological qualitative study aimed to depict factual experiences of 10 purposive samples aged 18-23 years old (x̅=19.7, SD+1.56), diagnosed with phobia from Pampanga, Philippines, in search with the uniqueness of their experience of activities of daily living (ADLs). Each sample was scheduled for an interview with the results of the experiences that were explicitly described by using Colaizzi’s method. Results revealed 11 major themes which include (1) evading fear, (2) anticipatory anxiety, (3) intense irrational fear, (4) phobia as a figure of mockery, (5) night-time perturbation, (6) fear even in pictures and movies, (7) retaliative response, (8) origin of fear, (9) conception of fear, (10) immutable fear, and (11) impediment; and, six sub-themes: (1) anticipatory anxiety of the place, (2) anticipatory anxiety of the stimulus, (3) sleepless nights, (4) nightmares, (5) body’ natural response, and (6) willful reaction. All participants were with firsthand experience of the phenomenon that tends to avoid any impending stimulus to cope with their ADLs. Despite known health risks and threats, the participants were continuously battling their fear of being exposed to their respective phobic stimuli to continue their ADLs and to suffice their physiologic demands. Results of the study support the need to coach, encourage and persuade people in understanding and providing continuous support to these people with phobia regardless of age, gender, marital status and the severity of their anxiety. Finally, findings will enable the general public of the awareness and motivation in providing continuous support and understanding to individuals experiencing phobia. Adequate knowledge of the experience will enable the majority the in-depth understanding of how it is to be in experience of phobia to promote self-education and psychiatric health.

Featured Image