“We can be the hero of our own stories” : a narrative analysis of the journey through topical steroid withdrawal : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

Abstract

Chronic illness can profoundly disrupt biography and identity. Illness caused by iatrogenesis can present the additional experience of being harmed by treatment designed to heal. Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is an iatrogenic medical condition associated with the prolonged use of topical corticosteroids applied to the skin, typically to treat skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Although existing research has primarily focused on biomedical explanations, little attention has been paid to how enduring TSW is experienced and made meaningful by those who live with it. This thesis explores the lived experience of TSW through a narrative analysis of an online blog written by an individual with the condition. The influential narrative model The Hero’s Journey is used to interpret how suffering, identity, and disruption are storied within the blog. This research demonstrates how narrative structures can highlight meaning for the sufferer and demonstrate the challenges faced during the experience of TSW.