Finding ways to carry on: stories of vulnerability in chronic illness

ABSTRACT

Purpose: In this study, we explore the lived experiences of chronic illness in four groups of patients; children with asthma, adolescents with diabetes, young adults with depression, and adult patients with chronic, obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Persons living with chronic illness are often designated as vulnerable. This study builds on the assumption that being vulnerable belongs to being human, and that vulnerability also might entail strength and possibilities for growth.

Methods: A narrative analysis was undertaken to illuminate how experiences of vulnerability were narrated across the four patient groups, presenting four individual stories, one from each of the patient groups.

Results/conclusion: The stories illuminate how living with a chronic illness implies differing capabilities and capacities dependent on the specific condition. At the same time the stories point to how various abilities and challenges in living with chronic illness can be alleviated or seen as resources. Considered together, the stories underscore how ´finding ways to carry on´ in chronic illness requires interpretational work. By calling upon resources among significant others, in the surroundings and in oneself, the narrator can find ways of interpreting living with chronic illness that might open towards a hopeful future.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic illness
• vulnerability
• narrative analysis
• life world
• stories
• phenomenology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Oddgeir Synnes

Oddgeir Synnes (PhD) is an associate professor at the Centre of Diaconia and Professional Practice at VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway and an associate professor II at Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Norway. Synnes has a background in literature and his main research interests are in narrative medicine, medical humanities, and existential care.

Aud Jorun Orøy

Aud Jorun Orøy (RN, Dr.philos.) is an associate professor at Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College. Her research interests include phenomenological health research, ethics and palliative care.

Målfrid Råheim

Målfrid Råheim (PT, Dr.philos.) is a professor at Department of Global Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, and a professor II at Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College. Her research interests include: body experience and lived through meanings of being ill, with special regard to long-lasting musculoskeletal pain and life after bariatric surgery, phenomenological, narrative and gender perspectives.

Else Lykkeslet

Else Lykkeslet (RN, PhD) is a professor at Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Norway. Her research interests are related to different kinds of knowledge and dementia care. She has published articles on methodology, philosophy of knowledge, and dementia care.