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An interpretative phenomenological analysis of couples' experiences of dyadic coping in multiple sclerosis

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2928085
AutoresSerena Carberry (0000-0001-8162-1359, University of Limerick), Donal G Fortune (0000-0003-0916-3247, University of Limerick, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Volume42
Fascículo3
Páginas849-872
Data de publicação2025-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/02654075241309381
OpenAlexW4405466148
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas51

Couples are typically affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as a dyad, with both partners involved in managing the disease. This study explored couples' shared experiences of coping with MS, with a focus on the dyadic narrative. Eleven couples participated in joint interviews and individual follow-on interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) identified three themes: Interacting individual and dyadic coping experiences, evolving communication and understanding, and regaining control through the dyadic experience. The findings highlighted the interconnected individual and dyadic coping processes, which shaped each couples' unique experience of MS. When stress was not clearly communicated, couples often misinterpreted the others' needs and difficulties, which often led to a period of emotional distancing in the relationship. Developing new ways to communicate over time supported couples to move towards a more aligned approach to coping with MS as a dyadic coping system. Limitations are discussed, including the use of a well-educated, self-selected sample of couples, where all relationships exceeded seven years. Clinical and research implications are discussed, including the value of exploring a diverse range of communication strategies, that may continue to evolve over the disease course

Coping (psychology · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Developmental psychology · Disease · Distancing · Dyad · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Narrative · Partner effects · Qualitative research · Clinical Psychology · Family Support in Illness · Medicine · Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology