Purpose: The aim of this study was exploring the experience of male caregivers living with a partner with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted following a grounded theory approach. Twenty-four men–husbands or partners of a woman diagnosed with MS–were interviewed in-depth. A thematic analysis was carried out and involved line-by-line coding with codes deriving from narratives. Findings: Five major themes emerged: caregiving as a full-time job; changes in the couple; the importance of social support and social life; gender specificities; and fear of the future. Conclusions: Results highlight the complexity of issues surrounding this specific form of caregiving. Social expectations referring to the marital relationship and to gender norms play a central role. Clinical Relevance: Findings can help in developing ad hoc interventions to support male spousal caregivers to care for their partners.

The experience of men caring for a partner with multiple sclerosis

Rollero, Chiara
2016-01-01

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was exploring the experience of male caregivers living with a partner with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted following a grounded theory approach. Twenty-four men–husbands or partners of a woman diagnosed with MS–were interviewed in-depth. A thematic analysis was carried out and involved line-by-line coding with codes deriving from narratives. Findings: Five major themes emerged: caregiving as a full-time job; changes in the couple; the importance of social support and social life; gender specificities; and fear of the future. Conclusions: Results highlight the complexity of issues surrounding this specific form of caregiving. Social expectations referring to the marital relationship and to gender norms play a central role. Clinical Relevance: Findings can help in developing ad hoc interventions to support male spousal caregivers to care for their partners.
2016
48
482
489
caregiving, gender issues, Multiple sclerosis, qualitative study
Rollero, Chiara
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1657496
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