Acceptance and identity change: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of carers' experiences in ME/CFS (2018) Sarah Catchpole

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Source: Journal of Health Psychology

Preprint

Date: March 21, 2019

URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1359105319834678

Acceptance and identity change: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of carers' experiences in myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome
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Sarah Catchpole, Sarah Catchpole
- University of Derby, UK.

Abstract

Myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating condition and many people rely heavily on family carers. This study explored the caring experiences of seven family carers.

Four themes were established: relations with others, role and identity changes, coping with change and uncertainty, and information and support seeking. Caring disrupted multiple areas of carers' lives, including their identities and relationships. Scepticism from others about myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome was particularly distressing.

Acceptance was important for coping and helped some carers achieve positive growth within spousal relationships. Improving support and advice for carers and acknowledging their caring burden could improve their well-being.
 
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