Social Work in Health Care, 57(5), 2018, pp.332-354.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Objective: Young people with chronic illnesses, such as epilepsy, tend to have poorer psychosocial outcomes compared to their peers. Nevertheless, not all young people experience difficulties adapting to living with epilepsy. The aim of this study was to examine family processes, as little is known about their impact on young people’s adaptation to the condition. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 young people, aged between 13 and 16 years old, to explore their experiences of living with epilepsy from the perspective of family resilience. Results: Findings from these interviews provided in-depth descriptions of stressful circumstances encountered and family processes. These processes, which in turn promoted positive adaptation, included shared family beliefs, family connectedness, and communication processes that supported collaborative problem-solving. Conclusion: Practitioners who support young people living with chronic conditions, such as epilepsy, should consider interventions that promote family connectedness, as it allows young people to turn to their families for support in times of stress. Additionally, it is important to explore young people’s beliefs, helping
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objective: Young people with chronic illnesses, such as epilepsy, tend to have poorer psychosocial outcomes compared to their peers. Nevertheless, not all young people experience difficulties adapting to living with epilepsy. The aim of this study was to examine family processes, as little is known about their impact on young people’s adaptation to the condition. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 young people, aged between 13 and 16 years old, to explore their experiences of living with epilepsy from the perspective of family resilience. Results: Findings from these interviews provided in-depth descriptions of stressful circumstances encountered and family processes. These processes, which in turn promoted positive adaptation, included shared family beliefs, family connectedness, and communication processes that supported collaborative problem-solving. Conclusion: Practitioners who support young people living with chronic conditions, such as epilepsy, should consider interventions that promote family connectedness, as it allows young people to turn to their families for support in times of stress. Additionally, it is important to explore young people’s beliefs, helping them and their families construct a new sense of normality if necessary. Supporting open communication between family members, where differing views were acknowledged, is likely to be important in facilitating resilience.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
young people, long term conditions, outcomes, families, user views, resilience, epilepsy;
Research on childhood epilepsy has predominantly used quantitative methodologies to examine the impact of epilepsy on young people and their families. These studies generally give a negative picture of the condition, which is at odds with a strengths-based social work perspective, and provide little understanding of young people's experiences of living with epilepsy. A systematic review of qualitative studies that explored young people's perspectives was conducted. Inclusion criteria were as follows: young people ages 13 to 18 years diagnosed with epilepsy, qualitative data collection methods, studies published in English-language peer-reviewed journals, and gray literature. Of 501 abstracts identified, 52 full-length texts were reviewed, with 17 studies being included for final analysis. The emergent themes were seizures and medications; relationships; issues and concerns involving their families, peers, and schools; and young people's reactions to epilepsy. It is essential to understand issues presented by young people for improving practice and developing services, as these issues highlight areas for potential social work interventions. It is also essential to adopt a strengths perspective
(Publisher abstract)
Research on childhood epilepsy has predominantly used quantitative methodologies to examine the impact of epilepsy on young people and their families. These studies generally give a negative picture of the condition, which is at odds with a strengths-based social work perspective, and provide little understanding of young people's experiences of living with epilepsy. A systematic review of qualitative studies that explored young people's perspectives was conducted. Inclusion criteria were as follows: young people ages 13 to 18 years diagnosed with epilepsy, qualitative data collection methods, studies published in English-language peer-reviewed journals, and gray literature. Of 501 abstracts identified, 52 full-length texts were reviewed, with 17 studies being included for final analysis. The emergent themes were seizures and medications; relationships; issues and concerns involving their families, peers, and schools; and young people's reactions to epilepsy. It is essential to understand issues presented by young people for improving practice and developing services, as these issues highlight areas for potential social work interventions. It is also essential to adopt a strengths perspective when considering these findings and implications for hospital social work, as young people's experiences were not always negative.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
literature reviews, young people, epilepsy, needs, social work, strengths-based approach, systematic reviews;