Shifts in Self and Identity when Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Within this qualitative study I explored how people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) described change following a mindfulness intervention to see whether developing awareness of the self in the present moment helped pwMS loosen attachment to a static sense of self and identity supporting them to live well alongside the unpredictable illness. Through narrative analysis I identified three overarching narrative types: growth, tension and simplicity. Mindfulness was constructed as leading to changed perspectives and relationships to self and illness by some. Others found mindfulness more challenging to adopt.