Examining the experiences of post-ABI and neurological condition sequalae and workplace disclosure.

Watson, Katherine

Abstract

This thesis portfolio is comprised of three parts, a systematic literature review, an empirical thesis, and appendices. Part 1 contains a systematic literature review, aiming to explore the experiences of individuals disclosing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the workplace. All qualitative data in this area was reviewed and the results of 10 studies were incorporated through a narrative synthesis. Four main themes were generated; Disclosure of MS, Transition in Identity, Group Reactions to the Individual following Disclosure and Locus of Change and Emotional Impact. These results have implications for ongoing support for individuals following an MS diagnosis. Part 2 contains the empirical study, which aims to understand the properties of the Brain Injury Fatigue Scale (BIFS). This study was comprised of two main aims which contribute to a larger ongoing study, firstly to identify the underlying factor structure within the BIFS and secondly to explore the moderating effects of brain injury on the relationship between fatigue and anxiety, depression, age and gender. The exploratory factor analysis uncovered a two-factor structure, with the main factor of ‘general fatigue’ explaining the majority of variance within the scale. A secondary factor of ‘cognitive and emotional impacts of fatigue’ was also identified. Additionally, positive correlations were found between fatigue and age, anxiety and depression. Within this, brain injury was shown to moderate the relationship between anxiety and fatigue. These results inform the ongoing debate around the dimensional nature of fatigue and have implications for fatigue interventions for individuals having sustained a brain injury. Part 3 contains the appendices. The attached appendices provide supporting documentation for the systematic literature review and the empirical study. Additionally, the appendices contain an epistemological statement and reflective statement written by the chief investigator.

Citation

Watson, K. Examining the experiences of post-ABI and neurological condition sequalae and workplace disclosure. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4458968

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 28, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 4, 2024
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4458968
• Additional Information: Department of Psychological Health and Wellbeing; University of Hull
• Award Date: Oct 4, 2023