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http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/8891
Title: | Art-making and identity work: A qualitative study of women living with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) |
Authors: | Reynolds, F Vivat, B |
Keywords: | Chronic fatigue;Art;Leisure;Identity |
Issue Date: | 2010 |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Citation: | Arts & Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice, 2(1), 67 - 80, 2010 |
Abstract: | Aims: Identity is at risk in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) because of physical dysfunction, role loss and stigmatisation. This qualitative study explored the contributions of leisure-based art-making to the positive reconstruction of identity for women living with this condition. Method: Thirteen women with CFS/ME participated. They offered reflective accounts about their engagement in art-making in interviews or in writing, which were then thematically analysed. Findings: All described identity loss since becoming ill, and described art-making as offering restorative experiences. Some contrasting themes emerged. About half of the sample portrayed their art projects as constrained by ill-health, and as demonstrating the reality of CFS/ME to others. This sub-group struggled with limited aspirations, tended to create art alone and did not identify themselves as being artists. They were interpreted as “salvaging” aspects of identity through their art-making. Art-making appeared to offer others more substantial identity reconstruction, despite continuing ill-health. Participants in this sub-group described more positive aspirations, fellowship with other art-makers and typically perceived themselves as having become artists since the onset of illness. Conclusion: The study contributes new understandings of the contribution of art-making to the protection and reformulation of identity of people living with CFS/ME. |
Description: | This is the author's accepted manuscript. The final published article is available from the link below. Copyright @ 2010 Taylor & Francis. |
URI: | http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17533010903495306 http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/8891 |
DOI: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17533010903495306 |
ISSN: | 1753-3015 |
Appears in Collections: | Occupational Therapy Dept of Health Sciences Research Papers |
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