Patients’ Perspective on the Psychological Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Their Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 105413732110068
Author(s):  
Chrysoula Baka ◽  
Kalliopi Chatira ◽  
Evangelos C. Karademas ◽  
Konstantinos G. Kafetsios
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychosocial Wellbeing ◽  
Positive Meaning ◽  
Patients Perspective ◽  
The Way

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that greatly impacts on patients’ physical and psychosocial wellbeing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Greece (N = 30), with regard to the way they coped with the diagnosis and the symptoms, the psychological implications of the disorder and the meaning they attributed to it. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and they were analyzed using grounded theory. The findings showed that despite the negative implications of the disorder and the difficulty in managing the diagnosis and the symptoms, half of the patients attributed positive meaning to the disorder. Taking care of oneself, re-evaluation of life and a sense of liberation were described as the positive outcomes of experiencing multiple sclerosis.

How primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis cope with social isolation: a grounded theory study in an Iranian context

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mohammad Taghi Mohseni Takalu ◽  
Seyed Ali Hosseini ◽  
Hamid Reza Khankeh ◽  
Ebrahim Pishyareh ◽  
Hossein Ali Ebrahimi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Primary Caregivers ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Iranian Context ◽  
Constant Comparative Analysis

Background/aims Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that can significantly impact the psychosocial aspects of primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis. This study explored the process of social isolation among primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis in Kerman, Iran. Methods A grounded theory approach was employed to explore the various aspects of social isolation. Data were collected through unstructured and semi-structured interviews with 15 primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis, 13 individuals with multiple sclerosis and five health care providers who were selected based on purposeful and theoretical sampling. The data were analysed via constant comparative analysis. Results The core variable identified from the interviews was social isolation. Other concepts that were connected with this were: insufficient knowledge and awareness, escaping stigma, occupational difficulties, marital challenges and management of restrictions. Conclusions Social isolation can affect the wellbeing of primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Recognition and awareness of the process of social isolation and factors influencing it can be beneficial in designing theory-driven evaluation and intervention methods. It is recommended that rehabilitation specialists pay close attention to the common needs and interests of both individuals with multiple sclerosis and their primary caregivers.

scholarly journals Low Self-Esteem of Psychotherapy Patients: A Qualitative Inquiry

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob van Zyl ◽  
Elsje Cronjé ◽  
Catharine Payze
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Negative Thinking ◽  
Analytical Perspective ◽  
Positive Meaning ◽  
The Way

In this article the story of 11 male psychotherapeutic patients with low self- esteem is told within the context of the research process. The literature suggests that the concept of “self-esteem” has a significant influence on the way an individual experiences his/her world. Therefore, the meaning that the psychotherapeutic patients associated with negative and positive labels, as it relates to self-esteem, was examined using grounded theory. The main storyline is conceptualized as follows; negative suggestion from the patient’s past leads to low self-esteem which is, within his emotional problematics and by means of a negative thinking scheme, unhealthily handled. Therapy from a medical hypno-analytical perspective is used to replace negative labels by facilitating the attachment of positive meaning to his self-esteem.

scholarly journals Exploring Cherishing: A Qualitative Approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratishtha Bhattacharyya ◽  
Rabindra Pradhan
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Study Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Collectivistic Culture ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Affective Orientation ◽  
The Way

The word cherishing is frequently used in our daily jargons. It is also very often mentioned in empirical literature on cherished possessions. However, despite the relevance of the term in the empirical literature on cherished possessions, very little is known about the way it operates in people’s lives. The only link with cherishing happens to be the studies conducted in individualistic cultures on cherished possessions. Besides, there is hardly any consensus on how cherishing operates in collectivistic culture such as India owing to the scarce literature available on the topic. Hence, the present study addresses the gap in the literature with the objective to explore the concept of cherishing. The present study examines cherishing through qualitative investigation by using semi-structured interviews in India. Forty-eight participants were interviewed for the study. Analysis of the data based on grounded theory techniques revealed three major themes: (i) the attributes of cherishing, (ii) functions of cherishing and (iii) the objects of cherishing. The attributes of cherishing convey a sense of protectiveness, a tendency to care, affective orientation and reminiscence. The functions reveal the benefits experienced from cherishing. The objects of cherishing convey the targets towards which one experiences cherishing. Recommendations for further study, along with theoretical and practical implications of the study findings, are also discussed.

scholarly journals Psychological interventions for managing postpartum psychosis: a qualitative analysis of women’s and family members’ experiences and preferences

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Forde ◽  
S. Peters ◽  
A. Wittkowski
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Postpartum Psychosis ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Seeking Safety ◽  
The Future ◽  
Severe Disorder

Abstract Background Postpartum psychosis is a rare, yet severe disorder, in which early identification and immediate intervention are crucial. Despite recommendations for psychological input, little is known about the types of psychological intervention reported to be helpful. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, needs and preferences for psychological intervention from the perspective of women with postpartum psychosis and from the perspective of family members. Methods Thirteen women and eight family members, including partners were interviewed. The data from these semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and inductively analysed using thematic analysis. Results Twelve subthemes were identified and then organised around three main themes: 1) Seeking safety and containment, 2) Recognising and responding to the psychological impact and 3) Planning for the future. These themes highlight the temporal element of recovery from postpartum psychosis, because women’s psychological needs and preferences changed over time. Emphasis was initially placed on ensuring safety, followed by a need to connect, process and adjust to their experiences. Additional needs were reported by women and family when planning for the future, including managing the fear of relapse and help to reach a decision about future pregnancies. Conclusion The results illustrate a range of areas in which psychological intervention could be delivered to facilitate and enhance recovery. Further research is needed to develop meaningful and effective psychological interventions and to investigate the most appropriate timing for this to be offered.

scholarly journals The Relational Fit in Organizational Interventions—What Can Organizational Research Learn from Research in Psychotherapy?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8104
Author(s):  
Malene Friis Andersen ◽  
Karina Nielsen ◽  
Jeppe Zielinski Nguyen Ajslev
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Organizational Interventions ◽  
Therapist Factors ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
The Way

There is a growing interest in organizational interventions (OI) aiming to increase employees’ well-being. An OI involves changes in the way work is designed, organized, and managed. Studies have shown that an OI’s positive results are increased if there is a good fit between context and intervention and between participant and intervention. In this article, we propose that a third fit—the Relational Fit (R-Fit)—also plays an important role in determining an intervention’s outcome. The R-Fit consists of factors related to 1) the employees participating in the OI, 2) the intervention facilitator, and 3) the quality of the relation between participants and the intervention facilitator. The concept of the R-Fit is inspired by research in psychotherapy documenting that participant factors, therapist factors, and the quality of the relations explain 40% of the effect of an intervention. We call attention to the importance of systematically evaluating and improving the R-Fit in OIs. This is important to enhance the positive outcomes in OIs and thereby increase both the well-being and productivity of employees. We introduce concrete measures that can be used to study and evaluate the R-Fit. This article is the first to combine knowledge from research in psychotherapy with research on OIs.

scholarly journals Views of the Future of Partners of People with Multiple Sclerosis Who Attended a Lifestyle Modification Workshop: A Qualitative Analysis of Perspectives and Experiences

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Sandra L. Neate ◽  
Keryn L. Taylor ◽  
Nupur Nag ◽  
George A. Jelinek ◽  
Steve Simpson-Yap ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Interpretive Phenomenology ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
The Future ◽  
Partner Perceptions ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) often experience uncertainty and fear about their futures. Partners of PwMS may share their concerns and experience fears about their own futures, limitations on their lives, ability to work, and becoming a carer. For PwMS, modification of lifestyle-related risk factors has been associated with improved health outcomes. For PwMS who attended residential lifestyle modification workshops (RLMW), sustained improved health outcomes have been demonstrated. Whether improved outcomes for PwMS who engage with lifestyle modification translate to improved partner perceptions of the future, is yet to be explored. We explored the perspectives of partners of PwMS who had attended a RLMW and the impact that the person with MS’s illness and their engagement with lifestyle modification had on their partners’ views of the future. Analysis of 21 semi-structured interviews used a methodology informed by Heidegger’s Interpretive Phenomenology. Three themes emerged: ‘uncertainty’, ‘planning for the future’ and ‘control, empowerment and confidence’. Subthemes included MS and lifestyle modification being a catalyst for positive change; developing a sense of control and empowerment; and hope, optimism and positivity. Lifestyle modification may provide benefits, not only to PwMS, but also to their partners, and should be considered part of mainstream management of MS.

scholarly journals Which triggers could support timely identification of primary antibody deficiency? A qualitative study using the patient perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisanne M. A. Janssen ◽  
Kim van den Akker ◽  
Mohamed A. Boussihmad ◽  
Esther de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Primary Antibody ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Timely Treatment ◽  
The Way

Abstract Background Patients with predominantly (primary) antibody deficiencies (PADs) commonly develop recurrent respiratory infections which can lead to bronchiectasis, long-term morbidity and increased mortality. Recognizing symptoms and making a diagnosis is vital to enable timely treatment. Studies on disease presentation have mainly been conducted using medical files rather than direct contact with PAD patients. Our study aims to analyze how patients appraised their symptoms and which factors were involved in a decision to seek medical care. Methods 14 PAD-patients (11 women; median 44, range 16-68 years) were analyzed using semi-structured interviews until saturation of key emergent themes was achieved. Results Being always ill featured in all participant stories. Often from childhood onwards periods of illness were felt to be too numerous, too bad, too long-lasting, or antibiotics were always needed to get better. Recurrent or persistent respiratory infections were the main triggers for patients to seek care. All participants developed an extreme fatigue, described as a feeling of physical and mental exhaustion and thus an extreme burden on daily life that was not solved by taking rest. Despite this, participants tended to normalize their symptoms and carry on with usual activities. Non-immunologists, as well as patients, misattributed the presenting signs and symptoms to common, self-limiting illnesses or other ‘innocent’ explanations. Participants in a way understood the long diagnostic delay. They know that the disease is rare and that doctors have to cover a broad medical area. But they were more critical about the way the doctors communicate with them. They feel that doctors often don’t listen very well to their patients. The participants’ symptoms as well as the interpretation of these symptoms by their social environment and doctors had a major emotional impact on the participants and a negative influence on their future perspectives. Conclusions To timely identify PAD, ‘pattern recognition’ should not only focus on the medical ‘red flags’, but also on less differentiating symptoms, such as ‘being always ill’ and ‘worn out’ and the way patients cope with these problems. And, most important, making time to really listen to the patient remains the key.

scholarly journals Barriers to the Implementation of Green Practices in the Integrated Resort Sector

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824402110302
Author(s):  
Jian Ming Luo ◽  
Ka Yin Chau ◽  
Yulan Fan ◽  
Hong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Green Practices

Green practices and integrated resorts are attracting increasing attention from industry practitioners and academics. However, several barriers limit the growth of green practices, especially in the integrated resorts in Macau. The purpose of this study is to identify the major barriers of implementing green practices in integrated resorts in Macau from the managers’ perspective using qualitative method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 managers from the integrated resort sector in Macau. Grounded theory was adopted along with NVivo 12.0 to analyze the qualitative data collected from the interviews. Results revealed five major barriers to green practices in the integrated resort sector: policies and regulations, management, resources, costs, and awareness. These findings extend existing theoretical explanations for green practices and provide a guideline of implementing green practices in the integrated resort sector for policymakers and practitioners.

scholarly journals The Role of Religious Fundamentalism in the Intersection of National and Religious Identities

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susilo Wibisono ◽  
Winnifred Louis ◽  
Jolanda Jetten
Keyword(s):  
National Identity ◽  
Religious Identity ◽  
National Identities ◽  
Religious Fundamentalism ◽  
Religious Movements ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Religious Identification ◽  
National Identification ◽  
The Way

Indonesia has seen recent expansions of fundamentalist movements mobilising members in support a change to the current constitution. Against this background, two studies were conducted. In Study 1, we explored the intersection of religious and national identity among Indonesian Muslims quantitatively, and in Study 2, we qualitatively examined religious and national identification among members of moderate and fundamentalist religious organisations. Specifically, Study 1 (N= 178) assessed whether the association of religious and national identity was moderated by religious fundamentalism. Results showed that strength of religious identification was positively associated with strength of national identification for both those high and low in fundamentalism. Using structured interviews and focus group discussions, Study 2 (N =35) examined the way that self-alignment with religious and national groups develops among activists of religious movements in Indonesia. We found that while more fundamentalist activists attached greater importance to their religious identity than to any other identity (e.g., national and ethnic), more moderate activists represented their religious and national identities as more integrated and compatible. We conclude that for Indonesian Muslims higher in religious fundamentalism, religious and national identities appear to be less integrated and this is consequential for the way in which collective agendas are pursued.

scholarly journals “Kicking and Screaming” or “Gracefully Conceding”: Creative Nonfiction Stories of Aging With Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110098
Author(s):  
Emma V. Richardson ◽  
Robert W. Motl
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Creative Nonfiction ◽  
Complex Phenomenon ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunctions ◽  
Positive Experiences

Aging with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex phenomenon. Some individuals report physical and cognitive dysfunctions regarding these combined experiences, whereas others report perceived improvements in quality of life. Beyond this, little is known regarding how people make sense of, and come to embody, negative or positive experiences of MS. Thus, our objectives were to (a) explore how people made sense of aging with MS and (b) present this in an artful, engaging, transformative way. To achieve this, we conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with older adults who had MS, analyzed data using pluralistic narrative analyses, and presented results through two creative nonfictions. We detail our process of creating the nonfictions before presenting the different stories of aging with MS, namely “Kicking and Screaming” and “Gracefully Conceding.” We then offer recommendations and implications for using these stories as knowledge translation devices, and further critique the limitations of these stories in practice.

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