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Qualitative Health Research
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The Meaning of Close Relationships and Sexuality: Women's Well-Being Following a Myocardial Infarction

Annelie Johansson Sundler

Växjö University, Sweden and University of Skövde, Sweden

Karin Dahlberg

Växjö University, Växjö, Sweden

Claes Ekenstam

Växjö University, Sweden and University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Relationships and sexuality following heart attack (MI) have been studied; nevertheless, little is known about the meaning of social support and relationships to health and well-being after an MI. To our knowledge, no qualitative studies have further investigated the phenomenon. In this study we explore the meaning of close relationships and sexuality to women's health and well-being following MI. Ten women were interviewed using a reflective lifeworld approach and phenomenological epistemology. The meaning of women's close relationships following an MI appears to be closely intertwined with their long-term health process; both health processes and the relationships are affected. Suffering after an MI can be compared to taking a fall in that close relationships can become a safety net. Close relationships and sexuality are integrated into their lived bodies, and in that way have profound influence in their lifeworld experiences. Not all close relationships are intimate; however, all close and meaningful relationships can provide power and strength to the women's health processes. At the same time, these relationships also appear to drain energy and cause suffering.

Key Words: heart attack (MI) • interviews • lived body • phenomenology

Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 19, No. 3, 375-387 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732309331882
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