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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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Collective strength
— the impact of developing a shared social identity in early-stage dementia | | Author(s) | Linda Clare, Julia M Rowlands, Rebecca Quin |
| Journal title | Dementia: the international journal of social research and practice, vol 7, no 1, February 2008 |
| Pages | pp 9-30 |
| Source | http://www.dem.sagepub.com |
| Keywords | Dementia ; Early ; Adjustment ; Advocacy ; Self help organisations ; Information technology ; Qualitative Studies. |
| Annotation | The impact of developing a shared social identity among a group of people with early-stage dementia was explored in a qualitative, internet-based study extending over two years. The authors investigated the experience of belong to the self-help network Dementia Advocacy and Support International (DASNI), and its effect on self-concept and adjustment, from the perspective of DASNI members in order to understand more about the factors that promote self-help, and the effects of engaging in self-help, mutual support and advocacy in this context. Seven active members of DASNI with a dementia diagnosis volunteered to participate. Interviews were conducted via email, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to develop a thematic account. The challenges engendered by the onset of dementia were reflected in descriptions of loss, struggle and uncertainty. Participating in DASNI, in contrast, engendered a sense of collective strength and having something valuable to contribute, and made it possible to discover that there can be life after diagnosis. Belonging to DASNI help to counteract the challenges to self and identity posted by developing dementia, and creating the possibility of effecting social change. The development of DASNI, consistent with recent theoretical developments in conceptualising processes of social power and influence, offers significant potential for change. (KJ/RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-080303201 A |
| Classmark | EA: 4J: DR: IQ: PQ: UVB: 3DP |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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