Sophie Degrange

Qualitative thematic analysis of the phenomenology of near-death experiences

Near-death experiences (NDEs) refer to profound psychological events that can have an important impact on the experiencers’ (NDErs) lives. Previous studies have shown that NDEs memories are phenomenologically rich. In the present study, we therefore aimed to extract the common themes (referred to as “features” in the NDE literature) reported by NDErs by analyzing all the concepts stored in the narratives of their experiences. A qualitative thematic analysis has been carried out on 34 cardiac arrest survivors’ NDE narratives. Our results shed the light on the structure of the narratives by identifying 10 “time-bounded” themes which refer to isolated events encountered during the NDE and 1 “transversal” theme which characterizes the whole narrative and generally appears as a retrospective comment of self-reflection on the experience. The division of narratives into themes provides us with detailed information about the vocabulary used by NDErs to describe their experience. This established thematic method enables a rigorous description of the phenomenon, ensuring the inclusion of all self-reported manifestations of themes in narratives.

Représentations individuelles et attribuées de la prise en charge de l’obésité au sein de la triade patient/soignant/famille

Resume La prise en charge de l’obesite exige une communication efficace entre soignant, patient et entourage. Les discordances et les convergences de representations entre les trois acteurs influencent la dynamique relationnelle qui se joue entre eux. Cette etude de cas rend compte du fonctionnement communicationnel peu optimal entre les acteurs de cinq triades (patient obese/soignant/entourage) sur la base de l’analyse de leurs representations individuelles et projetees des elements participants a la prise en charge. Ce fonctionnement s’organise sur une structure implicite, integrant de nombreux « non-dits » dont l’existence peut parfois mener a une rupture de la relation therapeutique.

Psychological mechanisms underlying overweight and obesity during adolescence. Triads study from the EDUDORA2 project.

Strategies for prevention and treatment of obesity in adolescents are too often limited to lifestyle modifications and dietary counseling. EDUDORA 2 (Education therapeutique et preventive face au Diabete et a l’Obesite a Risque chez l’Adulte et l’Adolescent) project focused on going beyond this dyadic and biological vision. 12 Triads were recruited in regions of Belgium, Luxembourg and France, each including an overweight or obese adolescent, the attending healthcare professional and a family member. Each subject of the triad was interviewed individually using the “life story” technique. Psychosocial factors influencing the degree of adherence to the prescribed treatment were assessed by speech thematic analysis. The most common strategy inside a triad remained focused on symptoms limiting the change of life style or diet. More complex and generally ignored underlying psychological mechanisms were highlighted: interaction with peers was a factor of awareness and strength for change, while food compensation difficulties, body image and devalued self-esteem were inhibitory factors for weight management. Psychological behavior affecting adolescence with respect to body ratio as well as projection of the mother’s experience with her own weight further strengthened these factors. Having a global view of obesity is also essential, at least when integrated in real life situations and in the psychological development during adolescence. Therapeutic Patient Education appears as a real opportunity provided professionals are properly trained.