Dating with a Diagnosis: The Lived Experience of People with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition which usually manifests between the ages of 20–40 years. This is a critical period for developing relationships, particularly romantic relationships. People with MS can experience sexual dysfunction, limb weakness, fatigue, pain, reduced mood and b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sexuality and disability 2022-03, Vol.40 (1), p.3-20
Main Authors: Tabassum, Kinza, Fox, Jackie, Fuller, Sara, Hynes, Sinéad M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Community and Environmental Psychology
Dating
Decision making
Fatigue
Focus Groups
Individual differences
Males
Medical diagnosis
Medical personnel
Men
Multiple sclerosis
Original Paper
Pain
People with disabilities
Physical disabilities
Psychology
Rehabilitation Medicine
Romantic relationships
Sexual Behavior
Sexual disorders
Sexual intercourse
Stigma
Strength
Urology
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Summary:Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition which usually manifests between the ages of 20–40 years. This is a critical period for developing relationships, particularly romantic relationships. People with MS can experience sexual dysfunction, limb weakness, fatigue, pain, reduced mood and bladder/bowel dysfunction; potentially affecting their ability to participate in many meaningful activities, including those associated with romantic relationships, dating or engaging in sexual intercourse. Dating or starting romantic relationships can be difficult for people with physical disabilities as they can experience stigma, negative societal attitudes and the fear of requiring care from potential partners. Dating experiences of people with progressive conditions like MS have not been explored in detail. The aim of this study was to develop a rich understanding of how living with MS interacts with/influences dating and developing romantic relationships. The study used a descriptive phenomenological design and a purposive sampling strategy. Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method was used to analyze the data (Colaizzi, 1978). Five females and two males, aged 23–51, participated in two online focus groups. Dating with a diagnosis of MS is a highly personal phenomenon, characterized by individual differences in values and experiences. Core to the phenomenon was personal decision-making about disclosure of the diagnosis and ongoing adaptation to the fluctuating nature of the condition with partners in new/developing relationships. The findings will help health professionals working with adults with MS understand this important aspect of their lives.
ISSN:0146-1044
1573-6717
DOI:10.1007/s11195-021-09698-9