This New Part of Me: Psychological Outcomes and Experiences Following Stoma Surgery

Palmer, Megan

Abstract

The portfolio thesis is composed of three parts: a systematic literature review, an empirical paper, and appendices. This thesis aims to explore psychological outcomes following stoma surgery.
Part One: Systematic Literature Review
The systematic literature review explored self-esteem following stoma surgery. Six quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria following a systematic search of the literature. The Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) method was used to synthesise data and structure results. A modified checklist from the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results suggested that whilst self-esteem was lower in ostomised patients when compared with non-ostomised samples, their self-esteem levels were still in a satisfactory range. However, only tentative conclusions can be made due to several limitations within the data and synthesis methods. Recommendations for further research are discussed.
Part Two: Empirical Paper
The empirical paper explored young men with stomas who had modified their bodies. A qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology was utilised. Six participants completed semi-structured interviews. Four themes were developed: “the destabilisation of identity”, “the separation of self and stoma”, “the need for connection” and “contributors to self-acceptance”. Body modification aided participants in reclaiming control over their bodily autonomy and increasing their self-confidence. This study emphasised the importance of addressing body image concerns amongst young men in clinical settings. Recommendations for further research are presented, along with the implications for clinical practice.
Part Three comprises the Appendices:
The appendices offer supplementary information for the systematic literature review and empirical paper, and they further examine the researcher's role in the epistemological and reflective statements.

Citation

Palmer, M. (2024). This New Part of Me: Psychological Outcomes and Experiences Following Stoma Surgery. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4920875

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 19, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 19, 2024
• Keywords: Self-esteem; Stoma; Ostomy; Bowel; Bladder; Review
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4920875
• Additional Information: Clinical Psychology; School of Psychology and Social Work; University of Hull
• Award Date: Oct 3, 2024