Multiple dimensions of embodiment in medical practices

Area of Science:

• Phenomenology
• Medical Sociology
• Embodiment Studies

Background:

• The concept of "lived experience" is central to phenomenological approaches in health and medicine.
• Existing interpretations often focus one-sidedly on the subjective aspects of embodiment.
• A more comprehensive understanding requires considering both the subject and object dimensions of the body.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically re-evaluate the interpretation of "lived experience" in medical phenomenology.
• To propose a revised phenomenological approach to embodiment in health and medicine.
• To advocate for the integration of sociological analyses into phenomenological research on embodiment.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological analysis of health and medicine literature.
• Examination of the concept of "lived experience" and its application.
• Development of a "socio-phenomenology" framework.
• Empirical research on embodied self-experiences post-breast surgery.

Main Results:

• "Lived experience" in medical phenomenology is often interpreted too narrowly.
• A "double body ontology" is necessary, considering both subjective and objective aspects of the body.
• Socio-phenomenology offers a fruitful approach to understanding embodiment.
• Disfigurement's impact on embodied agency can be effectively interpreted through this approach.

Conclusions:

• Revisiting "lived experience" necessitates a broader perspective on embodiment.
• Integrating sociological insights enriches phenomenological understanding of the body in health.
• Socio-phenomenology provides a valuable framework for studying embodied experiences, such as those following surgery.