The Fairy Tale as a Time Machine in Palliative Care

Abstract

Background: Studies show that certainty of death may affect time perception and the meaning attributed to time. The central interest of this research is the connection between the perception of time and fairy tales. The aim of the study was to explore the fairy tale method in their delivery of palliative care and how this work is related to the concept of time. Methods: A focus group interview conducted with a team delivering the service in Russia forms the basis of the exploration of experiences of working with a Fairy Tale method in palliative care. The data generated from the focus group are analyzed using a phenomenological-hermeneutic method. This involves reading the data at three levels: naive reading, structure analyses and complete interpretation. Results: From the analysis, it emerged that the fairy tale method relates to 1) a multidirectional time continuum 2) an intensification of the perception of time and 3) the alertness of time. Together, these three themes act together to form a “time machine” which regulates both the perceived speed at which time passes, awareness of the quality of time, and the intensity of the perception of time within the fairy tale. Conclusion: The ‘fairy tale tool’ promises the possibility of transforming the experience of time for hospice patients, helping them to mediate perceived time and calibrate awareness. The findings are discussed with regards to the potential applications of the fairy tale tool beyond palliative care: It is suggested that it could be extended into a more existential instrument that might help larger population to deal with the postmodern living conditions and extreme hurriedness.