Change of identity : the psychological and emotional impact of caring for someone with multiple sclerosis

HEWARD, Kate, GOUGH, Brendan and MOLINEUX, Matthew (2011). Change of identity : the psychological and emotional impact of caring for someone with multiple sclerosis. Social care and neurodisability, 2 (1), 21-32.

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Abstract

The diagnosis of a chronic progressive condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) can impact on many aspects of daily life. Living with, and caring for, an individual with such a condition is likely to have emotional and psychological consequences. We carried out semi-structured interviews with nine partners and analysed the interview transcripts using grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1998), the phase presented in this article formed part of a larger overall study that explored the impact of living with MS for partners and a family. Our analysis in this phase highlights two core themes centred on identity issues faced by the participants: ‘playing detective’ in order to acquire information and manage the situation; and ‘reshaping identities’ in a shifting context, which reflected the participants' difficulties in reconfiguring important identities (at work and at home). Although previous research has addressed how carers cope, there is a dearth of qualitative literature relating to whether or not partners' identities are affected by taking a central role in caring, including how previous identities are maintained and new ones acquired.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group:	Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Identification Number:	doi: 10.5042/scn.2011.0081
Depositing User:	Rebecca Jones
Date Deposited:	23 May 2012 10:52
Last Modified:	23 May 2012 10:52
URI:	http://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/5132

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