The impact of De Novo Scoliosis on adults' sense of self and identity
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How do adults experiencing de novo scoliosis make sense of their condition and its impact on their sense of self and identity?
IRAS ID
254997
Contact name
Lucy Tweedlie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey Research Integrity Governance Office
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 10 days
Research summary
This study will aim to interview older adults (50+) who are living with adult de-novo scoliosis (deformity of a previously straight spine within a skeletally mature patient) to help understand how this condition may influence these participants' sense of self and identity. This is considered important as these individuals will have transitioned from experiencing an invisible illness to a debilitating visible one, which is likely to impact on how they understand/perceive themselves. This change is likely to be influencing their behaviour and potentially lead to a poorer quality of life or mental health difficulties. To obtain in-depth information regarding their journey qualitative research methods will be used, specifically, narrative methodology as this helps capture participants meaning-making processes by asking them to tell their 'story' in their own words. As this is a novel area of research it is hoped findings from this study will help contribute to patient care by offering a better understanding of the psychological impact de-novo scoliosis has on adults sense of self.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0125
Date of REC Opinion
29 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion