An exportation of the creation of meaning during the dying process using discourse analysis

Abstract

In a powerful media interview an Irish public figure, Nuala O'Faolain, discussed cancer and the dying process. The study aimed to investigate how Nuala created meaning while living with terminal illness. Psychological research and models considering death are presented to contextualise the study. These models have largely focused on cognitive and prescriptive stage models. It is proposed that an understanding can also be gained by examining how through interactions individuals construct personal meaning of death and the dying process. This study utilised discourse analysis as outlined by Edwards and Potter to analyse such an interaction arising from the interview. Four dominant themes emerged: diagnosis, treatment, the interviewee's current mindset and the dying process. The interview functioned in aiding the interviewee to create meaning of her own experience. The study highlights the personal experience of dying and the importance of exploring discourse in order to understand the complexities pertaining...