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    Double vision : the experience of multiple sclerosis through the eyes of women : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1999) Highet, Pamela
    Double vision is a common symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This thesis is also about double vision in other ways. It is concerned with the perceptions of women with MS of the double discrimination, which they experience, both as women and as disabled people. It is also about the disjuncture between medical views of MS and the lived experiences of women with MS. Seven women with MS were interviewed in depth for this research. Despite considerable diversity in MS experiences, a number of main themes emerged from these interviews. These included years of uncertainty and stress prior to receiving a definite diagnosis of MS, poor communication on the part of health professionals, high financial costs and difficulties associated with MS and the toll on family life, including 'caregiver burnout' and divorce. Many of the difficulties experienced by these women could have been eased considerably with more information and practical and financial support. The aim of the thesis is to highlight these themes in order to inform people newly diagnosed with MS, their caregivers and families, health and social work professionals and policy makers about some of the main issues and needs experienced by women with MS.
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    Men with multiple sclerosis : a study of a mutual self-help support group : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master of Arts Degree in Social Anthropology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2000) McCool, Michael John
    Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects about twice as many women as men. I am a man with multiple sclerosis (an insider in this work) and my aim within this thesis is to relate the stories of our involvement within the support group environment. For the purpose of examining the individual and group process, I have found it useful to adopt a combination of narrative and feminist post modernist methods for understanding our ways of knowing and systems of helping. I was influenced by women of colour who argue about patriarchy and post colonialism to guide my thinking about the oppression of people with difference. The guiding principles of my study are inclusion, participation and emancipation. Inclusion occurred through involving the entire group in the research process. Active participation ensured that the theory presented in this study was grounded in the experiences of the individuals. Emancipation was achieved through presenting the voices of participants and working to provide better conditions for those concerned. This is an in-depth study of eight men who meet on a regular basis to share our interests, and life stories. We are people who are searching, surviving, succeeding and/or failing in our daily tasks. We are guys who are rational thinking human-beings and are just trying to be "normal" and included in our community. This thesis examines the process of surrendering power and the ways in which this causes the alienation of this group of individuals by our wider society. It looks at the social constructions of our disability, the fears, the chaos, dependency, our identity, and/or our visibility. Then we look at our "seizing the moment", through the process of reclaiming some of that power and control for ourselves through the benefit of mutual social support using camaraderie; the genuine need to help and care for each other and to be concerned. It is evident how our struggles and problems are not that dissimilar from other groups, for example, the emancipation of women and the plight of indigenous peoples. The discipline of social anthropology, being located within the humanities, provides an ideal base for studying the interconnections between oppressed groups.
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    Psychosocial correlates of the short term course of multiple sclerosis : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1996) Zika, Sheryl Corinne
    The present investigation developed and tested a theoretical model, which attempted to depict some of the complex relations among the psychosocial and physical health experiences of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The model is comprised of five constructs: psychological well-being, physical health status, stressors, disposition and social support. The pivotal aspect of the model is psychological well-being, through which all other factors exert their influence. The study consisted of a cross-sectional and a longitudinal phase. Participants in the cross-sectional phase were a convenience sample of 45 people diagnosed with MS. The longitudinal phase involved a subsample of 12 people for an additional six months. In the cross-sectional phase, one structured interview was conducted at the participant's home. The longitudinal participants completed (six) monthly structured interviews and physical examinations (by a physician) at the rehabilitation unit of the local hospital. Four strategies were used to analyze and interpret the data. Firstly, the cross-sectional data was analyzed using conventional between-subject regressions to examine aggregate relations at a single point in time. Secondly, the longitudinal data was analyzed using within-subject regressions to examine aggregate associations among changes in the variables. Thirdly, the longitudinal data was analyzed to examine intraindividual patterns. Lastly, a qualitative case study approach was used to interpret the factors preceding and following an exacerbation in one participant. Results of the cross-sectional analysis revealed that disposition and stressors were both related to psychological well-being but, unexpectedly, physical health status and social support had no associations with well-being. Stressors demonstrated an association with physical health status, and disposition was related to social support. The within-subject regressions suggested that disposition and social support moderate how changes in stressors impact on changes in psychological well-being, and how changes in emotional states impact on changes in physical health status. An association was found between stressors and physical health status. The intraindividual findings revealed that, in general, the variables within each major construct related to one another in line with conceptual expectations. When examining associations between constructs, aggregate findings, for the most part, could not be replicated at the individual level. The case study suggested that changes in stressors and psychological well-being precede and follow a relapse in the disease. Overall, the findings provided mixed support for the theoretical model. However, the quantitative findings, in combination with contextual information and observational evidence, contributed valuable insights regarding the MS illness process. During relatively stable periods of the disease, in general, psychological functioning does not appear to influence physical functioning, or vice versa. Persons with MS appear to use denial and other defence mechanisms to help them cope with their illness. The appropriateness of the methodological approaches used are discussed, and some of the difficulties in conducting research with MS patients are highlighted. Finally, limitations of the present study are noted and suggestions are made for future research.