TY - JOUR

T1 - MS and me

T2 - exploring the impact of multiple sclerosis on perceptions of self

AU - Mozo-Dutton, Louise

AU - Simpson, Jane

AU - Boot, Julia

PY - 2012/1

Y1 - 2012/1

N2 - Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on perceptions of self as well as the emotional, social and practical implications of any self-reported changes. Method: Twelve participants were interviewed and interpretative phenomenological analysis used to analyse the data. Participants were recruited from a MS hospital clinic in the north-west of England. Results: Four themes were identified although for reasons of space and novelty three were discussed, (i) ‘my body didn’t belong to me’: the changing relationship to body, (ii) ‘I miss the way I feel about myself’: the changing relationship to self and (iii) ‘let’s just try and live with it’: incorporating yet separating MS from self. Conclusions: The onset of MS was seen to impact upon self yet impact did not necessarily equate with a loss of self but rather a changed self. Self-related changes did, however, carry the potential to impact negatively upon a person’s mood and psychological functioning and consequently, clinicians are encouraged to consider issues relating to self as standard.Implications for RehabilitationThe onset of MS does not automatically bring into question a person’s sense of self. Rather, it is the degree to which symptoms impact upon a person’s ability to fulfil roles integral to their pre-MS self, that appear to have the greatest re-defining impact.Symptoms that threaten perceptions of self are more likely to contribute to emotional problems such as depression and anxiety.Clinicians can support people to maintain a positive sense of self by assessing which symptoms affect them most and, where possible, helping them reconnect with valued interests, roles and activities, albeit in an adapted fashion.

AB - Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on perceptions of self as well as the emotional, social and practical implications of any self-reported changes. Method: Twelve participants were interviewed and interpretative phenomenological analysis used to analyse the data. Participants were recruited from a MS hospital clinic in the north-west of England. Results: Four themes were identified although for reasons of space and novelty three were discussed, (i) ‘my body didn’t belong to me’: the changing relationship to body, (ii) ‘I miss the way I feel about myself’: the changing relationship to self and (iii) ‘let’s just try and live with it’: incorporating yet separating MS from self. Conclusions: The onset of MS was seen to impact upon self yet impact did not necessarily equate with a loss of self but rather a changed self. Self-related changes did, however, carry the potential to impact negatively upon a person’s mood and psychological functioning and consequently, clinicians are encouraged to consider issues relating to self as standard.Implications for RehabilitationThe onset of MS does not automatically bring into question a person’s sense of self. Rather, it is the degree to which symptoms impact upon a person’s ability to fulfil roles integral to their pre-MS self, that appear to have the greatest re-defining impact.Symptoms that threaten perceptions of self are more likely to contribute to emotional problems such as depression and anxiety.Clinicians can support people to maintain a positive sense of self by assessing which symptoms affect them most and, where possible, helping them reconnect with valued interests, roles and activities, albeit in an adapted fashion.

KW - Adaptation, Psychological

KW - Adult

KW - Aged

KW - Attitude to Health

KW - Emotions

KW - England

KW - Female

KW - Humans

KW - Interviews as Topic

KW - Male

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Multiple Sclerosis

KW - Qualitative Research

KW - Quality of Life

KW - Questionnaires

KW - Self Concept

KW - Severity of Illness Index

KW - Sickness Impact Profile

KW - Social Support

U2 - 10.3109/09638288.2011.638032

DO - 10.3109/09638288.2011.638032

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 22149179

VL - 34

SP - 1208

EP - 1217

JO - Disability and Rehabilitation

JF - Disability and Rehabilitation

SN - 0963-8288

IS - 14

ER -