Disrupted melodies : creating harmony out of dissonance : a sociological analysis on self and identity of people living with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

This sociological study explores the issues of self and identity and how these concepts were impacted with the onset of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This research focuses on the daily lives of the individual, their relationship with others and also the effects of the views of others on these individuals. Moreover, looking at aspects such as biographical disruption, adaptation, coping and emotions. The qualitative method was applied through the use of in-depth semistructured face-to-face interviews with six participants living with MS in Malta. The data indicates that respondents accepted and adjusted to their current limited self which in return, led to favourable adaptation. Moreover, degree of visibility of MS, dependency and mobility loss brought about by the impairments of the condition, may be directly related to stigma and the degree of identity change which occurs. Through illness narrative, a sense of self is established and a public identity created, hence, participants feel integrated when talking about their life with MS.