TY - JOUR

T1 - Navigating the social world with neck dystonia

T2 - An interpretative phenomenological analysis

AU - Maxwell-Scott, Melanie

AU - O’Keeffe, Fiadhnait

AU - Eccles, Fiona JR

PY - 2024/10/12

Y1 - 2024/10/12

N2 - Neck dystonia is a neurological condition, characterised by involuntary movements of the neck muscles, causing twisted head positions and often pain and head tremor. Ten participants with neck dystonia were interviewed and the data was analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Three themes were constructed: (1) dismissed by others for having an unfamiliar condition; (2) negotiating a new social identity; and (3) managing the stigma of a visible condition. It is proposed that psychological support could benefit people with neck dystonia who experience difficulties arising from identity management and stigma. Systemic interventions, such as education campaigns, are also proposed to help address stigmatising attitudes.

AB - Neck dystonia is a neurological condition, characterised by involuntary movements of the neck muscles, causing twisted head positions and often pain and head tremor. Ten participants with neck dystonia were interviewed and the data was analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Three themes were constructed: (1) dismissed by others for having an unfamiliar condition; (2) negotiating a new social identity; and (3) managing the stigma of a visible condition. It is proposed that psychological support could benefit people with neck dystonia who experience difficulties arising from identity management and stigma. Systemic interventions, such as education campaigns, are also proposed to help address stigmatising attitudes.

U2 - 10.1177/13591053241286131

DO - 10.1177/13591053241286131

M3 - Journal article

JO - Journal of Health Psychology

JF - Journal of Health Psychology

SN - 1359-1053

ER -