Paul Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation adapted as a method for narrative analysis to capture the existential realities expressed in stories from people living with Multiple Sclerosis

Hardwick, Louise ORCID: 0000-0002-2210-5896 (2017) Paul Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation adapted as a method for narrative analysis to capture the existential realities expressed in stories from people living with Multiple Sclerosis. Qualitative Social Work, 16 (5). pp. 649-663.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1473325016638423

Abstract

<jats:p> This paper draws on Paul Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation to highlight aspects of the existential realities that emerge woven within the narratives of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It aims to give social workers and other professionals involved in inter-disciplinary care insight into the meaning-making process and the existential realities interwoven in accounts of lived experience, thereby validating this aspect of experience. To support this approach it also aims to make explicit the method used and interpretation applied to elicit these features. Ten adults with MS from across the North of England were recruited to tell their story related to the onset of, and adjustment to MS. Two of the narratives are presented, and through these, the method used for interpretation derived from the theory of Paul Ricoeur is demonstrated. What emerge, threaded within the events told in a triptych of past, present and future life envisaged, are glimpses of existential realities that evoke universal recognition such as abandonment, loss, acceptance; solidarity, aloneness, suffering and finally calm. The paper concludes that, given chronic conditions like MS often predispose existential deliberation, it is important that these dimensions of lived experience are acknowledged in professional encounters that seek to manage the condition and support people living well with it. </jats:p>

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodegenerative, Brain Disorders, Neurosciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	29 Apr 2016 14:02
Last Modified:	16 Mar 2024 08:24
DOI:	10.1177/1473325016638423
Related URLs:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3000999