Identity Construction and Illness Narratives in Persons with Disabilities

This book explores how being diagnosed with a disability impacts identity, highlighting the oppressive nature of this label and the need for a more holistic approach. It draws on narrative approaches to identity and the bio-psycho-social model to understand disability as constructed in discourse and negotiated among speaking subjects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of receiving a disability diagnosis on an individual's identity. Once a person is labeled with a disability, there is a significant risk that this label will become the primary status not only for the individual but also for their family. This reification of the diagnosis can be oppressive, as it perpetuates the notion that everything a person does is somehow tied to their disability, reducing their humanity and individuality.

To explore this complex phenomenon, the book employs narrative approaches from psychology and social sciences, alongside the bio-psycho-social model and a holistic perspective on disabilities. Through these lenses, the chapters in this book understand disability as a construct shaped by discourse, as a negotiation among speaking subjects in social contexts, and as an emergent phenomenon. By amplifying the voices of individuals who may have otherwise remained silent, the book employs storytelling as a powerful means of communicating the realities of the participants, offering a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of their perspectives.

This book is of immense interest to scholars and students across a wide range of disciplines, including disability studies, sociology, medical humanities, disability research methods, narrative theory, and rehabilitation studies. It provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of disability and its impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. By shedding light on the experiences and narratives of those with disabilities, this book contributes to a more inclusive and understanding world.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367539030