Dating with a Diagnosis: The Lived Experience of People with Multiple Sclerosis

Author:

Tabassum Kinza,Fox JackieORCID,Fuller Sara,Hynes Sinéad M.ORCID

Abstract

AbstractMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition which usually manifests between the ages of 20–40 years. This is a critical period for developing relationships, particularly romantic relationships. People with MS can experience sexual dysfunction, limb weakness, fatigue, pain, reduced mood and bladder/bowel dysfunction; potentially affecting their ability to participate in many meaningful activities, including those associated with romantic relationships, dating or engaging in sexual intercourse. Dating or starting romantic relationships can be difficult for people with physical disabilities as they can experience stigma, negative societal attitudes and the fear of requiring care from potential partners. Dating experiences of people with progressive conditions like MS have not been explored in detail. The aim of this study was to develop a rich understanding of how living with MS interacts with/influences dating and developing romantic relationships. The study used a descriptive phenomenological design and a purposive sampling strategy. Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method was used to analyze the data (Colaizzi, 1978). Five females and two males, aged 23–51, participated in two online focus groups. Dating with a diagnosis of MS is a highly personal phenomenon, characterized by individual differences in values and experiences. Core to the phenomenon was personal decision-making about disclosure of the diagnosis and ongoing adaptation to the fluctuating nature of the condition with partners in new/developing relationships. The findings will help health professionals working with adults with MS understand this important aspect of their lives.

Funder

Health Research Board

National University Ireland, Galway

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Subject

Rehabilitation,Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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1. Disclosing invisible disabilities to romantic partners: Understanding the role of timing.;Stigma and Health;2024-01-25

2. Impression Formation Following Self-disclosure of an Invisible (Non-apparent) Disability to a Romantic Partner;Sexuality and Disability;2024-01-05

3. Online Dating for People with Disabilities: A Scoping Review;Sexuality and Disability;2022-12-27

4. What would improve MS clinic services for cognition? – A stakeholder panel and survey exploration;Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders;2022-07

5. Love and Discrimination;The Reproduction and Maintenance of Inequalities in Interpersonal Relationships;2022-05-27

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