Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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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 -