A Grounded Theory Analysis of the Occupational Impact of Caring for a Partner who has Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Chronic progressive conditions such as multiple sclerosis impact engagement in and orchestration of daily occupations by people with the condition, and their family members. This qualitative study addressed the way in which multiple sclerosis can affect family life, particularly exploring how it affects the occupations of the partner of a person with the condition. The study involved in-depth interviewing and grounded theory analysis to explore the occupational nature of being a partner of someone who has multiple sclerosis. Findings reveal how partners' occupations are affected over time, with occupational opportunities inspired by multiple sclerosis and occupational constraints provoked by the disorder, including nostalgia for an multiple sclerosis free existence, the transition to being a carer and an occupationally uncertain future.

Keywords:

• Occupation
• Multiple sclerosis
• Carers
• Caregiving