Toward a trajectory of identity reconstruction in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a longitudinal qualitative study

International Journal of Nursing Studies
Lisa Claire Whitehead

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is an illness associated with high levels of physical and cognitive disability over a prolonged period of time. Recovery from CFS/ME can be interspersed with relapses. Further, the legitimacy of the illness continues to be questioned within and beyond the health profession. This paper examines the reconstruction of self-identity for those experiencing CFS/ME. This longitudinal qualitative study involved up to three in-depth interviews with 17 people with CFS/ME and family members. A trajectory that describes transitions in identity over time and the range of elements that influence these is proposed. During the acute phase of illness, characterised by total debility, people adopted the traditional sick role. The medium term phase highlighted movement between disability as part of the total self, total debility, and/or the adoption of a supernormal identity. The longer-term phase was defined for the majority of participants as the positive reconstruction of self. Identity was contingent with positive and negative experiences and responses co-existing with the potential to 'tip' the balance and perceived identity. In the longer term people's identity became more static w...Continue Reading

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Oct 21, 2005·Social Science & Medicine·Lisa Claire Whitehead

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Citations

Mar 3, 2015·British Journal of Health Psychology·Zoe M GottsVincent Deary
Dec 23, 2015·British Journal of Health Psychology·Veronica NantonScott Murray
Mar 14, 2007·Clinical Psychology Review·Stefan M van GeelenWietse Kuis
Mar 21, 2015·Health Psychology Review·Padraig MacNeelaBrian E McGuire
Feb 12, 2008·Journal of Advanced Nursing·Ingrid WidängJan Mårtensson
Jun 30, 2011·Journal of Advanced Nursing·Lynere WilsonBeverley Burrell
Apr 29, 2010·Journal of Advanced Nursing·Philip Andrew Scullion
Sep 19, 2006·International Journal of Nursing Studies·Ingalill Rahm Hallberg
Sep 3, 2013·Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B·Nazafarin HosseiniMohammad Zare
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Mar 1, 2013·Health Care for Women International·Valerie R AndersonLaura E Hlavaty
Mar 18, 2016·Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research·Nazafarin HosseiniMohammad Zare
Oct 13, 2012·Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry·Coralie E FuchsWietse Kuis
Jun 24, 2017·International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being·Lai Peng Ho, Esther C L Goh
Mar 24, 2012·Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology·Susan J Cockshell, Jane L Mathias
Jun 6, 2020·BMJ Paediatrics Open·Matthew Robert HarlandEsther Crawley

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