Abstract
Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The interviews centred on the experience of living with the condition from the participants' own perspectives. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three inter-related themes were presented: 'Identity crisis: agency and embodiment'; 'Scepticism and the self' and 'Acceptance, adjustment and coping'. Participants reported an ongoing sense of personal loss characterised by diminishing personal control and agency. An inability to plan for the future and subsequent feelings of failure, worthlessness and insignificance ensued.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 459-476 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Psychology and Health |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 May 2008 |
Keywords
- identity
- health psychology
- chronic fatigue syndrome