A narrative orientated inquiry into individuals’ experiences of a diagnosis of PTSD
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- Title
- A narrative orientated inquiry into individuals’ experiences of a diagnosis of PTSD
- Creator
- Emily Nickerson
- Date
- 2021
- Abstract
-
Amongst counselling psychologists and other professionals there are discussions regarding the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), specifically how to define trauma, the validity of the diagnosis and its utility. There are a number of qualitative studies exploring individuals’ experiences of other psychological diagnoses, which suggest those being diagnosed are trying to navigate the contradictory and complex experiences that arise from being diagnosed. Yet to be explored is the experience of being diagnosed with PTSD. The aim of the study was to explore individuals’ narratives of their experiences of being diagnosed with PTSD. Specifically, how individuals make sense of the diagnosis; what experiences influence the individual’s meaning of the PTSD diagnosis. This study took a social constructionism position and used Narrative Orientated Inquiry as both view knowledge to be constructed through interpersonal interactions, rooted within a specific time and context, and are representations of an individual’s experience. Six participants who had been diagnosed with PTSD for at least one year were interviewed. Their narratives revealed how being diagnosed with PTSD was a personal journey with changes in their relationship to their
distress, their understanding of their experiences and their view of themselves. Furthermore, the participants had diverse and evolving responses to the PTSD diagnosis, which were intertwined with their entire existence. The findings highlighted the importance of the interpersonal context. The participants’ interpersonal interactions prior to diagnosis impacted their way of relating with others, to themselves and seeking support. Additionally, these prior interpersonal experiences influenced their responses to receiving the diagnosis. The findings illuminate aspects of the diagnosis process that seem to have been left out professional discussions regarding the diagnosis of PTSD. - Subject
- Counselling
- Psychology
- PTSD
- Extent
- 126 pages
- Format
- Publisher
- Regent's University London
- degree
- DPsych Counselling Psychology
- Language
- English
- Date Issued
- 2021
- Type
- Report
- Rights Holder
- Emily Nickerson and Regent's University London
- Item sets
- Theses or Dissertation