Transitions during adolescence: a qualitative exploration of the developmental and healthcare transition experiences of adolescents with epilepsy

Cookson, Jennifer (2014) Transitions during adolescence: a qualitative exploration of the developmental and healthcare transition experiences of adolescents with epilepsy. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Background: The most common neurological condition during adolescence is epilepsy, with 40-50% of those diagnosed requiring transition to adult orientated healthcare. The related transition of care is reported to be important for maximising both health and developmental outcomes. The scope of this study was to explore the health, social and developmental transition experiences of a number of adolescents with epilepsy.
Methods: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to explore the experiences of five adolescents (aged 14-17 years) currently attending an epilepsy transition clinic. Semi-structured interviews explored their experiences of being an adolescent with epilepsy.
Results: Three superordinate themes were identified: Coping Style, Differences and Healthcare Experiences. Each theme tracked the similarities and differences between participants’ experiences using a number of subthemes. Participants’ use of language was an important vehicle for more in-depth analysis of their narrative.
Conclusion: The health, social and developmental transition experiences of adolescents with epilepsy are influenced by the coping strategies they implement, their locus of control model and their level of engagement with their healthcare needs. These factors are influenced by internal and external circumstances that are important to consider when developing transitional care for this population. Further exploration of these internal and external factors and their influence is required.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Transition, epilepsy
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Jackson, Dr. Alison and Scott, Dr. Nicola
• Date of Award: 2014
• Depositing User: Mrs Jennifer Cookson
• Unique ID: glathesis:2014-5638
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 07 Nov 2014 12:52
• Last Modified: 13 Nov 2014 15:51
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/5638