Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to illuminate the relation between the aesthetics and qualitative nursing research, and especially to consider the aesthetical characteristics of phenomenological nursing research which may reflect works of art.
METHOD
Based on Heidegger, Merleau-ponty and Gadamer' philosophical aesthetics, this study shows how aesthetical thought can be is applied to artistic creation and aesthetical criticism in the phenomenological research of nursing.
RESULT
The result of aesthetical characteristics of phenomenological nursing research were as follows: 1) Poetical thought of the client's experience as the living is revealed as poetic expressions in forms of listening gazing, reflection and metaphor. 2) Literature works, paintings, poetry and fiction used as sources of lived-experience help to awaken insight into the essence of lived-experience. 3) Aesthetical evaluation of phenomenological product as art is related to the harmony as a whole, especially to the ability to do vicarious lived-experience of the client.
CONCLUSION
In order to produce creative phenomenological works in nursing research, two suggestions are made: aesthetical thought and poetic language in phenomenological reflective writing which enables researchers to transmit the essence of the lived-experience.

• Keywords: Qualitative nursing research; Phenomenology; Aesthetics; Poetical thinking