EXPLORATION OF BODY LISTENING - HEALTH AND PHYSICAL SELF-AWARENESS INCHRONIC ILLNESS

This phenomenologic study explored how healthy and chronically ill adu lts understand their body experience. Nine healthy adults and nine chr onically ill adults (asthma or multiple sclerosis) were interviewed an d asked to keep a 6-week diary. Using Colaizzi's method of data analys is, significant statements from all three groups were collated and ana lyzed for formulated meanings. The resultant body paradigm is defined as the person's explanatory model of who she or he is physically and i s the result of past body experiences, shared body experiences of othe rs while growing up, perceived circadian rhythms and personal gnosis. Perception of energy patterns was central Lo all three groups, and chr onically ill informants described adapting to a new body paradigm.