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“It's good, they're like me; the same but different.” An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the identities of women with down's syndrome
Author(s) -
Groves Emma,
Rayner Kelly,
Muncer Steven
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12425
Subject(s) - paternalism , autonomy , identity (music) , interpretative phenomenological analysis , construct (python library) , narrative , psychology , social psychology , disability studies , sociology , gender studies , qualitative research , political science , aesthetics , social science , philosophy , linguistics , computer science , law , programming language
Background For people with disabilities, identity formation is based on responses to hierarchical values determined by able populations. Some adopt a disability identity, whereas others may seek to conceal their disability. No research has focused on how women with Down's Syndrome form an identity. Design Eight women with Down's Syndrome took part in semi‐structured interviews designed to find out more about their individual and shared identities. The transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings Negative assumptions of others and oppressive, paternalistic care often lead to a lack of ownership over narratives. “Finding a place in society” is an attempt to challenge this and gain a sense of ownership over their lives. Conclusions This research uncovered the individual and shared identities that women with Down's Syndrome construct. Services need to be aware of the role they have in supporting these women to develop autonomy and ownership over their lives.