Expected possible selves and coping skills among young and middle-aged adults with bipolar disorder

Objectives: This qualitative study explored expected possible selves and coping skills among young and middle-aged adults with bipolar disorder in Hong Kong. Disruptive or positive experiences associated with bipolar disorder can shape the development of the sense of possible selves. Methods: Guided...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:East Asian archives of psychiatry 2014-09, Vol.24 (3), p.117-124
Main Authors: Tse, S, Yuen, Y M Y, Suto, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Alzheimer's disease
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar Disorder - psychology
Bipolar Disorder - therapy
Borderline personality disorder
Cognition & reasoning
Coping
Coping (Psychology)
Development and progression
Evidence-based medicine
Families & family life
Female
Health aspects
Humans
Inquiry method
Interviews
Interviews as Topic
Male
Manic-depressive illness
Mental disorders
Mental health
Mental health services
Mental illness
Methods
Middle age
Middle Aged
Middle aged persons
Motivation
Prevention
Psychological aspects
Qualitative research
Self
Self Concept
Well being
Young Adult
Young adults
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Summary:Objectives: This qualitative study explored expected possible selves and coping skills among young and middle-aged adults with bipolar disorder in Hong Kong. Disruptive or positive experiences associated with bipolar disorder can shape the development of the sense of possible selves. Methods: Guided by narrative inquiry methodology, 14 Chinese participants (8 women; age range, 22-65 years), recruited from community mental health services and the public, were interviewed. Results: Young participants (18-40 years) elaborated on their expected possible selves as they related to health, work, and family, whereas middle-aged participants (41-65 years) talked about independent possible selves. The participants used problem-focused, emotion-focused, and cultural coping methods to deal with their bipolar disorder and achieve their expected possible selves. Furthermore, the young participants expressed ambivalence towards self-help strategies to manage high mood episodes. Conclusions: This study not only improves our understanding of possible selves among young and middleaged adults with bipolar disorder, but also provides information for designing self-help interventions. Limitations of the study along with directions for future research are discussed.
ISSN:2078-9947
2224-7041