Background: A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can lead to changes to a person's sense of self. The aim of this study was to investigate the subjective experience of identity change and subsequent adjustment to MS.
Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 people who reported having MS. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: In the early stages of disease progression, participants wanted to compartmentalize the disease. Over time, through reflected self-appraisals, brought about by increasing symptoms and changed relationships with others, the disease became a part of participants' self-identity.
Conclusions: For people with MS, incorporating and accepting the disease as part of their self-identity can have positive implications for seeking and receiving support.
Keywords: Adaptation; Coping; Identity; Multiple sclerosis (MS); Self.
© 2019 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.