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The discovery of disability: a phenomenological study of unilateral neglect
K Tham1, L Borell, A Gustavsson
1Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy and Elderly Research, Stockholm, Sweden. Kerstin.Tham@neurotec.ki.se
Objective:
Clients with right brain damage and unilateral neglect often lack awareness of their disabilities. This study examined how 4 participants with neglect experienced, discovered, and handled their disabilities in the context of their everyday life.
Method:
The 4 participants were interviewed five to seven times during their rehabilitation process. The data were collected and analyzed using the EPP (empirical, phenomenological, psychological) method.
Findings:
Findings revealed seven features that described a discovery process for the 4 participants. During this process, each participant began to discover and understand the consequences of her unilateral neglect in the performance of everyday tasks. This increased understanding was a prerequisite to being able to use compensatory strategies.
Conclusion:
By experiencing meaningful occupational situations, the participants gradually discovered and began to compensate for their disabilities in everyday life.