Exploring experiences of post-traumatic growth and gendered experiences of psychological adjustment in Motor Neurone Disease; an interpretative phenomenological analysis study and systematic review conducting a narrative synthesis

Abstract

Chapter 1
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) is valued for its straddling of philosophy, language, and interpretation. Understanding the main characteristics of IPA are important in embedding the researcher and reader in theoretical meaning. Furthermore, in exercising philosophical and interpretative thinking, it allows for the unpacking of the key concepts of gender, sex, psychological adjustment and Post-traumatic Growth (PTG). Key concepts were explored for those diagnosed with Motor-Neurone disease (MND).

Chapter 2
The terms gender and sex are constructs we use regularly but seldom consider their respective influence in research. Furthermore, our socialisation into society relies heavily on gender identity informing our responses and experiences in the world. However, little is understood about how the meaning of gender and sex transcends into illness and psychological experiences of adjustment. Thus, the objective of the systematic review was to uncover how the constructs of gender, sex and psychological adjustment are experienced in the context of MND.

Chapter 3
PTG is commonly researched following various types of traumatic events. However, it has not been studied in individuals living with MND. Generally, research in MND focuses on negative psychological impact of diagnosis. There is a dearth of information that considers the possibility of positive psychological change following a diagnosis of MND. Hence, this study aimed to explore experiences of PTG among individuals living with MND using IPA to guide the interpretive process of meaning-making.

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ORCID for Warren Dunger: orcid.org/0000-0002-3213-5175

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