Making Sense of Illness

The Experiences of Users of Complementary Medicine

Bibliographic Data

ID4229255
AuthorsTina Cartwright (0000-0003-3416-468X, University of Westminster), Rebecca Torr (University of Bath)
Year2005
Volume10
Issue4
Pages559-572
Publication date2005-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Health Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-1053 • E-ISSN: 1461-7277
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1359105305053425
PMID16014392
OpenAlexW2139178636
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited26

The present study investigated the experiences of users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 frequent users and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results indicated that the patient-practitioner relationship and explanatory frameworks provided by CAM were perceived as important components of the therapeutic process, irrespective of treatment efficacy. CAM served a variety of functions beyond the explicit relief of symptoms by increasing energy and relaxation, facilitating coping and enhancing self/other awareness. It is therefore important that these wider effects are taken into account when evaluating complementary medicine in order to reflect patients' experiences accurately

Alternative medicine · Complementary medicine · Coping (psychology · Epistemology · Explanatory model · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Phenomenology (philosophy · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Sociology · Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies · Empathy and Medical Education · Medicine · Mental Health and Psychiatry · Psychology · Clinical Psychology · Social Psychology

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