Why do individuals use complementary therapy for the maintenance of health?

Paul B.

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Why do individuals use complementary therapy for the maintenance of health?

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This research project is being conducted to formulate an answer or theory to the question, ‘why do individuals use complementary therapy for the maintenance of health?' Using a single case study a member of the ‘accessible population' shall be interviewed using the semi-structured interview method. The data analyzed is to provide a generalized answer that can be applied to the populations being studied, which for the purposes of this research project are those who partake in complementary therapies. The overall aim of the research project is to “obtain as representative a range of responses as possible to enable you [the researcher] to fulfill the objectives of the study and to provide answers to key questions”. Using the quantitative research method a questionnaire was designed as a group project. This questionnaire consisted of 10 closed questions, which included demographic questions, all of which had multiple-choice answers (refer to appendix 1). The questions were designed so that the overall answers when collated would provide an answer for the question ‘Why does an individual use a complementary therapy for the maintenance of health?'

Introduction
The term mentor according to the English National Board
The standard for communication and working relationships
Factors which may affect learning
The Gestalt theory
The importance of the mentor's role in assessing practice
Conclusion
Bibliography

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[...] It is important to remember that upon conducting the interview permission must be granted from the respondent stating that they understand how the data is to be used, and that they consent to the use of this data. (refer to appendix It is also advisable to devise a list entitled ‘interview preparation', to ensure that all important factors are completed before proceeding with the interview. (refer to appendix Bias When conducting an interview it is important for the interviewer to remain objective toward the topic being researched. [...]

[...] (Strauss and Corbin, 1998) It is the process of data collection, which is completed through the use of a semi-structured interview within this research project, analysis, using the method of open coding, and finally the development of a theory, which for this study is to provide an answer to the relevant question. (refer to section entitled ‘question') Grounded theory is apt for a single case study as the data collated, when analyzed, will “offer insight, enhance understanding, and provide a meaningful guide” to the topic being studied. [...]

[...] The interviewee remarked that she no longer has any qualms with regards to the therapy, and believes in the therapy so much so that she recommends the treatment to others. (page paragraph Conclusion The overall opinion seems be that the individual uses a complementary therapy for the maintenance of health for several reasons. The reasons identified within this study are that orthodox treatment has failed the client previously, and therefore recommendations have been made to use a complementary therapy, which it must be hastened add was by friends or colleagues rather than a G.P. [...]

[...] G.P's do not readily recommend complementary therapy treatment for on-going illnesses and from the data collated within this study it is suggested that patients are finding out about these treatments through recommendations from others. However, the study also suggests that upon following these recommendations they discover a treatment that is suitable, convenient, relaxing and friendly. The client will therefore persist with the treatment and, as did the subject of the single case study, will discard of the orthodox and stereotypical thinking that pharmaceuticals and operations are the only means to maintaining [...]

[...] This method is appropriate for this research project as it enables researchers to develop ideas and gain an understanding of society through ‘studying the way that people make sense of their world as subjective individuals'. Silverman (2001) discusses qualitative research stating, methods used by qualitative researchers exemplify a common belief that they can provide a ‘deeper' understanding of social phenomena than would be obtained from purely quantitative data”. A method needs to be chosen for data gathering, which is done in accordance with the type of research required. [...]

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