Research & References
The Research Behind the Approach
The Joyful Freedom Approach rests on more than forty years of Dr Marilynne Kirshbaum's original, peer-reviewed research into cancer-related fatigue, energy restoration, and the gentle art of coming back to life. These are the published foundations.
Peer-reviewed
Published Articles
Research authored by Marilynne N. Kirshbaum and integrated into the Joyful Freedom Approach. Each links through to its source.
- Kirshbaum M. Using massage in the relief of lymphoedema. Prof Nurse. 1996;11(4):230–232.
- Kirshbaum M. Neutropenia: more than a low neutrophil count. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 1998;2(2):115–122.
- Kirshbaum M. Promoting physical exercise in breast cancer care. Nurs Stand. 2005;19(41):41–48.
- Kirshbaum M. A review of the benefits of whole body exercise during and after treatment for breast cancer. J Clin Nurs. 2007;16(1):104–121.
- Kirshbaum M. Translation to practice: a randomised, controlled study of an evidence-based booklet for breast-care nurses in the United Kingdom. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2008;5(2):60–74.
- Kirshbaum M. Cancer-related fatigue: a review of nursing interventions. Br J Community Nurs. 2010;15(5):214–219.
- Kirshbaum M. Pharmacologic treatments for fatigue associated with palliative care. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2011;15(4):438–439.
- Pongthavornkamol K, Olson K, Soparatanapaisarn N, Chatchaisucha S, Khamkon A, Potaros D, Kirshbaum MN, Graffigna G. Comparing the meanings of fatigue in individuals with cancer in Thailand and Canada. Cancer Nurs. 2012;35(5):E1–E9.
- Kirshbaum MN, Olson K, Pongthavornkamol K, Graffigna G. Understanding the meaning of fatigue at the end of life: an ethnoscience approach. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2013;17(2):146–153.
- Kirshbaum M. Cochrane review brief: exercise interventions on health-related quality of life for cancer survivors. Online J Issues Nurs. 2013;18(3).
- Kirshbaum MN, Donbavand J. Making the most out of life: exploring the contribution of attention restorative theory in developing a non-pharmacological intervention for fatigue. Palliat Support Care. 2014;12(6):473–480.
- Kirshbaum MN, Stead M, Bartys S. An exploratory study of Reiki experiences in women who have cancer. Int J Palliat Nurs. 2016;22(4):166–172.
- Kirshbaum MN, Ennis G, Waheed N, Carter F. Art in cancer care: exploring the role of visual art-making programs within an Energy Restoration Framework. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2017;29:71–78.
- Ennis G, Kirshbaum MN, Waheed N. The beneficial attributes of visual art-making in cancer care: an integrative review. Eur J Cancer Care. 2018;27(1):e12663.
- Ennis GM, Kirshbaum M, Waheed N. The energy-enhancing potential of participatory performance-based arts activities in the care of people with a diagnosis of cancer: an integrative review. Arts Health. 2019;11(2):87–103.
In Print
Books
- Kirshbaum MN. The Joyful Freedom Approach to Cancer-Related Fatigue: Introducing an Energy-Creating Framework. Cham: Springer; 2021.
- Kirshbaum MN. The Joyful Freedom Approach Handbook: Your Guide to Gathering and Radiating Life-force Energy. Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; 2024. ISBN 978-1-922684-72-1.
- Request a copy from thejoyfulfreedomapproach@gmail.com.
- Kirshbaum M. Lymphoedema and Breast Cancer. NT Clinical Monograph No. 38. London: Emap Healthcare; 1999.
Doctoral Research
PhD Thesis
- Kirshbaum MN. Disseminating research evidence to breast care nurses: the case of exercise for breast cancer patients. PhD thesis. Manchester, UK: University of Manchester; 2004.
Standing on Shoulders
Foundational Theories and Models
The Approach also draws on established theories and models. These are the primary sources behind the framework.
Science of Unitary Human Beings: Martha E. Rogers
- Rogers ME. An Introduction to the Theoretical Basis of Nursing. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis; 1970.
- Rogers ME. In: Malinski VM, ed. Explorations on Martha Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings. Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century-Crofts; 1986.
- Biley FC. In: Sayre-Adams J, Wright SG, eds. The Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Touch. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 1995.
- Rogers ME. Glossary. Rogerian Nursing Science News. 1991;4(2):6–7.
Attention Restoration Theory: Stephen Kaplan
- Cimprich B. Attentional fatigue following breast cancer surgery. Res Nurs Health. 1992;15(3):199–207.
- Cimprich B. Development of an intervention to restore attention in cancer patients. Cancer Nurs. 1993;16(2):83–92.
- Kaplan S. The restorative benefits of nature: toward an integrative framework. J Environ Psychol. 1995;15(3):169–182.
- Kaplan S. Meditation, restoration, and the management of mental fatigue. Environ Behav. 2001;33(4):480–506.
- Kaplan S, Kaplan R. Cognition and Environment: Functioning in an Uncertain World. New York: Praeger; 1982.
The Reasonable Person Model: Rachel Kaplan & Avik Basu
Atlas of the Heart: Brené Brown
- Brown B. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience. New York: Random House; 2021.
The Theory of Emotions: Robert Plutchik
From Research to Practice
Bring the Research to Your Own Life
Every session Marilynne offers is shaped by this body of work, and by you. If you are curious how it might help, a discovery chat is a gentle place to begin.