Journal article
Examining the nexus of labour pain and culture using an applied social science framework [Examinando el nexo del dolor de parto y la cultura usando un marco de ciencia social aplicada]
Horizonte de Enfermería [Horizon Journal of Nursing], Vol.28(2), pp.53-78
2017
Abstract
Birthing women can convey a cultural response to pain. The greater the cultural distance between a woman and her midwife, the greater the chance of misinterpretation of her labour experience. This paper examines childbirth beliefs, influences and practices, which contribute to cross-cultural understandings of pain. A literature search was conducted in April 2013. Studies were included if they had pain as the primary outcome and examined non-elicited pain language from the maternal perspective. Twelve articles were included. The language findings were reported in a companion paper. The present paper reported the cultural findings using an applied social science framework to reflect upon the nexus of pain and culture within pain communication and the development of culturally sensitive practice. The studies depicted shared childbirth beliefs and practices across African, Asian, European, North American and South American cultures, which in part is attributed to common physiological factors of childbirth. Childbirth may be impacted upon by 'internal' factors: pain reactions and attitudes, religion and spirituality, pain definition and meaning, anxiety, pain acceptance and tolerance, conceptualisation of motherhood, psychology, and societal beliefs; external factors may include the environment (physical setting or context of childbirth) and the model of care. The interpretation of these beliefs may be influenced by the midwife's development of their cultural competence.Viewing cultural patterns provides a cultural lens for midwives across care models (e.g. technocratic, humanistic, and holistic) to better understand women's experiences of pain, to reflect upon cross-cultural interpretation of pain and to develop cross-cultural competence.
Details
- Title
- Examining the nexus of labour pain and culture using an applied social science framework [Examinando el nexo del dolor de parto y la cultura usando un marco de ciencia social aplicada]
- Authors
- Stephanie Power (Author) - University of QueenslandFiona E Bogossian (Author) - University of QueenslandRoland Sussex (Author) - University of QueenslandJenny Strong (Author) - University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Horizonte de Enfermería [Horizon Journal of Nursing], Vol.28(2), pp.53-78
- Publisher
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Nursing
- DOI
- 10.7764/Horiz_Enferm.28.2.53
- ISSN
- 0719-6946
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451228102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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