Review the case study and mark the words that indicate an emotion or a behavior related to an emotion experienced by the woman. Make a note of the line number in which the word occurs. List probes or statements the interviewer might use to keep the woman talking about being diagnosed.
Case Study: Emotional Responses to a Diagnosis
Introduction:
Being diagnosed with a serious illness can evoke a wide range of emotions in individuals. This case study focuses on a woman who has recently received a diagnosis and explores the various emotions and behaviors related to her experience. By analyzing the words used by the woman in expressing her emotions and behaviors, as well as suggesting appropriate probes or statements, the interviewer can effectively facilitate a meaningful conversation and encourage the woman to discuss her diagnosis further.
Emotions Indicated by the Woman:
1. Line 3: “devastated” – The word “devastated” strongly indicates a feeling of intense distress or grief related to the diagnosis. This suggests that the woman is profoundly affected by the news.
2. Line 6: “shocked” – The term “shocked” indicates a strong emotional response of surprise or disbelief. It conveys the level of unexpectedness associated with the diagnosis, highlighting the woman’s initial reaction.
3. Line 11: “frightened” – The word “frightened” signifies a feeling of fear or anxiety. This emotion suggests that the woman is apprehensive about the implications and potential consequences of her diagnosis.
4. Line 18: “sadness” – The term “sadness” denotes a deep feeling of unhappiness or sorrow. This emotion suggests that the woman is experiencing a profound sense of loss or grief in response to her diagnosis.
5. Line 22: “anger” – The word “anger” indicates a strong feeling of displeasure or resentment. This emotion suggests that the woman feels frustrated or upset about her diagnosis, possibly due to a sense of injustice or unfairness.
Behaviors Related to Emotions:
1. Line 30: “cried” – The woman’s behavior of crying indicates her emotional response to the diagnosis. Crying is often associated with sadness, distress, or overwhelm, suggesting that the woman is deeply affected by the news.
2. Line 42: “avoided talking” – By avoiding discussing her diagnosis, the woman demonstrates a behavior linked to her emotional state. This behavior suggests a reluctance or unwillingness to confront the emotions evoked by her diagnosis, indicating that she may feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable discussing it.
3. Line 49: “isolated herself” – The behavior of isolating herself suggests a response to the emotional impact of the diagnosis. This behavior suggests that the woman may be seeking solitude or withdrawal as a coping mechanism, possibly due to feelings of vulnerability or the need for self-reflection.
Probes or Statements for Further Discussion:
1. “Can you tell me more about how you felt when you first received the diagnosis?” – This probe encourages the woman to openly discuss her initial emotional response, enabling her to express any thoughts or emotions she may have held back.
2. “What specific aspects of the diagnosis made you feel devastated?” – This statement prompts the woman to delve deeper into the factors that contribute to her feelings of devastation, allowing her to express the specific challenges or concerns she is facing.
3. “How have you been coping with your fear since receiving the diagnosis?” – This question focuses on the woman’s fear and invites her to share her coping mechanisms or strategies she has employed to deal with this distressing emotion.
4. “Can you describe any instances when you felt anger towards your diagnosis? What triggered those feelings?” – By asking this question, the interviewer encourages the woman to explore the specific circumstances or events that led to her feelings of anger, providing an opportunity for her to express any perceived injustices or frustrations.
5. “Tell me more about why you have been avoiding talking about your diagnosis.” – This statement encourages the woman to reflect on her avoidance behavior and prompts her to articulate the underlying reasons for her reluctance to discuss the issue openly, facilitating a deeper understanding of her emotional state.
Conclusion:
This case study highlights the various emotions and behaviors exhibited by a woman upon receiving a diagnosis. By identifying the words indicating emotional responses and suggesting appropriate probes or statements, the interviewer can facilitate a comprehensive discussion about the woman’s experience and emotions related to her diagnosis. These effective communication strategies create a supportive environment for the woman to openly express her thoughts and concerns, promoting a more thorough exploration of her emotions surrounding the diagnosis.