title: Disability-induced identity changes in persons with multiple chemical sensitivity.
abstract: In this qualitative study, the authors asked respondents with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in an open-ended question how having the condition affected their identities. Authors then examined responses for themes, which they discuss within the framework of critical theory. Emergent themes included loss of a stable, familiar personality, loss of self-positioning, emotional suppression to meet others' expectations, redesigning the planned life, forced growth, struggling with support, discovering the spiritual self, and identity reconsolidation. The authors compare findings with published works on adjustment to chronic illness and other delegitimized illnesses, find them to be fairly congruent, and then discuss problems regarding cultural acceptance of MCS as a condition caused by chemical exposure.
authors.affiliation: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Pamela Reed
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Placek
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: Sacha Ostroff
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Brohimer
authors.forename: Amy C Earehart
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Lovelace
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012933:Social Identification