Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to expand nursing science through the investigation of the caregiver's experience of deliberative mutual patterning with pain-ridden substance users, thus providing knowledge enrichment through use of the science of unitary human beings as the theory-base. A qualitative descriptive exploratory research design with 15 participants was used. Data analysis-synthesis yielded summary statements for each objective in the language of the participants which were then transformed into themes in the language of the science of unitary human beings. These themes were synthesized into the hypothesis: The caregivers' experiences of deliberative mutual patterning with pain-ridden substance users manifest as innovative, unpredictable, and increasingly diverse field patternings of deeper understanding, clearer evaluation of impediments, and multiple promises, with a uniquely integral continuously supportive mutual process with arduous contradictions in irreversible lifestyle and worldview changes. The hypothesis answered the research question: What is the caregiver's experience of deliberative mutual patterning with pain-ridden substance users in relation to: mutual field patterning process; innovative, unpredictable diversity; and continuously changing patterning? The hypothesis generated from this study may be useful in application to nursing practice and future research, thereby expanding the theory-base and nursing science