Understanding Identity Negotiation of Parkinson’s Disease and Occupational Engagement Using Narrative Inquiry

Abstract

Aims

Many older adults with Parkinson’s disease experience challenges negotiating identity, often with negative implications for wellbeing. This study explores how older adults with Parkinson’s disease negotiate identity post-diagnosis, specifically addressing how they recount their management of identity and its impact on their occupational engagement.

Methods

Using a constructivist narrative approach, three participant sessions were conducted with five older adults with Parkinson’s disease. Line-by-line and thematic coding was completed.

Results

Three major themes emerged across narratives including: (a) Attempts to convey, maintain, and negotiate identity; (b) Resisting a disabled identity and (c) The centrality of occupation and social roles in negotiating identity.

Conclusion

Common themes of personal and social identity that threaten or support an older adult with PD’s decisions about occupational engagement were identified. Results of this study can be used by occupational therapists to better understand the influence of identity on occupational engagement.

Keywords:

• Neurological
• occupational engagement
• older adults
• personal identity
• social identity

Acknowledgments

This research would not have been possible without the support and guidance of my supervisor, Dr. Colleen McGrath, advisory committee members, and dedicated librarians at Western University. I would also like to thank the participants who shared their narratives and personal experiences with PD, each one was inspiring and meaningful in its own way.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was not supported by any grant funding.