Based on The Death of Ivan Ilych by Tolstoy and other topic study materials, write a 750-1,000-word paper that considers the experience of illness and does the following:
- Analyzes the story of Ivan Ilych in terms of concepts of the “healing environment” found in Chapters 7-9 of Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing.
- Describes the phenomenology of illness and disease (i.e., the personal “what it is like” of illness and disease).
- Analyzes your own experience with illness and disease, what impacted that experience, and how it impacted your life.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: In this paper, we will be discussing the experience of illness and disease based on the story of Ivan Ilych by Tolstoy and other study topics. We will analyze the concept of the “healing environment” from the perspective of a Christian worldview for nursing as well as examine the personal experience of illness and disease, including our own.
Answer:
1. The story of Ivan Ilych can be analyzed in terms of the concept of the “healing environment” found in Chapters 7-9 of Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing. The concept of the “healing environment” refers to the physical, emotional, and social environment that can promote healing and support the process of recovery. In the case of Ivan Ilych, we see a lack of such an environment, which worsens his condition and ultimately leads to his demise. For example, Ivan’s home environment is described as cold, sterile, and uninviting, which reflects the emotional distance between Ivan and his family. Additionally, his workplace is described as hostile and competitive, with colleagues who are indifferent to his suffering. The lack of a nurturing and supportive environment exacerbates Ivan’s illness and contributes to his sense of isolation and despair.
2. The phenomenology of illness and disease refers to the personal experience of illness and disease, including the physical symptoms and emotional impact. It is the “what it is like” of being ill or diseased. This experience can be highly individual and vary from person to person. For some, illness may result in feelings of weakness, pain, or discomfort, while for others, it can result in feelings of anger, frustration, or grief. The experience of illness can also be influenced by cultural and social factors, such as the expectations of how one should behave when ill or the support available from family and community.
3. Analyzing our own experiences with illness and disease can provide insights into the impact of illness on our lives and those around us. Personal experiences can inform our understanding of the challenges faced by patients, as well as the importance of a supportive environment in promoting healing and recovery. When we reflect on our experiences with illness, we may identify factors that aided or hindered our recovery, such as the support of loved ones, the quality of medical care, or the influence of our beliefs and attitudes. Additionally, our experiences with illness may shape our attitudes towards healthcare, our interactions with medical professionals, and our compassion for others who are ill.
