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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Education
Notes
- Abstract:
- Purpose : The goal of this study was to increase understanding of how parents and children cope with parental Multiple sclerosis (MS). Background: Multiple sclerosis MS is a common neurological illness affecting individuals in the most productive time of their lives. It can be diagnosed at any age; however it is usually diagnosed during the early adult years when parenting is most important. Individuals are not only affected by physical symptoms, such as vision problems and debilitating fatigue, they also face emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. The ability to cope effectively with the physical and emotional symptoms of MS directly affects the person’s ability to maintain a high quality of life. The inability to adjust will, not only negatively influence the individual with the illness, but their entire family including their children. Consequently, it is important that family therapy interventions are developed to assist the families that are facing chronic illness, specifically MS. Method : A qualitative approach, specifically the phenomenological method, was utilized for this study because it allowed the researcher to understand the essence of living with, or having a parent with MS. Participants included four female parents and one male parent ages 38 – 48, and two male and three female children ages 11 - 14 who volunteered after being recruited through self help groups. The participants responded to short questionnaires concerning their level of disability, symptoms, ability to cope and family relationships. They participated in separate open ended interviews answering ten (10) questions about the experience of having MS, or a parent with MS. Findings : Four major themes were uncovered in the data. They are: Support, priorities, family relationships and emotions. Twenty-five sub themes were identified. All of the parents and children identified the importance of peer-support groups, and family support as the most important thing to help them cope with the disease. This information will assist family therapists who provide intervention to families living with MS to achieve a deeper understanding of how MS affects families.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2007.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-76).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Joanne L. Nelson. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- RC108.N45 2007_NelsonJoanne ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- RC108.N45 2007 ( lcc )
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