Transformative learning theory: facilitating mammography screening in rural women
Mary Anne Purtzer1, Lindsey Overstreet2
1Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, University of Wyoming in Laramie.
Fear of cancer influences mammography screening decisions. Understanding how women interpret this fear, whether it immobilizes or motivates them, is key to increasing screening rates. Nurses can facilitate dialogue to promote self-efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Health Behavior
- Qualitative Research
- Health Education
Background:
- Mammography screening is crucial for early breast cancer detection.
- Understanding factors influencing screening behavior in low-income, rural women is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore experiences that catalyze mammography screening.
- To investigate cognitive and affective responses to these catalysts.
- To determine the impact on screening behavior using transformative learning theory.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive qualitative study.
- Four focus group interviews conducted.
- 25 low-income, rural women aged 40+ participated.
Main Results:
- Cancer experiences evoked fear in both screeners and non-screeners.
- Interpretation of fear (immobilizing vs. motivating) critically impacted screening behavior.
- Self-efficacy and motivation were linked to screening; isolation and immobilization to non-screening.
Conclusions:
- Transformative learning theory effectively explains variations in mammography screening behavior.
- Facilitating dialogue and critical reflection can alter negative perspectives in non-screening women.
- Nurses can help women overcome fear and enhance self-efficacy through guided reflection.
More Related Videos
05:04Author Spotlight: Evaluating Clinicians' Adoption of Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Cannulation Through Simulation Training
Published on: August 9, 2024
13:43Intraductal Delivery and X-ray Visualization of Ethanol-Based Ablative Solution for Prevention and Local Treatment of Breast Cancer in Mouse Models
Published on: April 1, 2022