title: "It gave me something big in my life to wonder and think about which took over the space … and not MS": managing well-being in multiple sclerosis through art-making.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often face progressive loss of function, uncertainty and disruption to self-image and valued roles. Previous studies show that creative self-expression is valued by some people living with long-term illness, yet its meaning for people living with MS is unclear. This research study explored the meanings of leisure-based visual art-making for people living with MS.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study followed guidelines for Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Single semi-structured interviews were conducted with five adults (2 males; 3 females; 40-65 years), recruited from MS Ireland.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants valued art-making for contributing to a more satisfying way of life; for filling occupational voids and using time well. Deep immersion offered respite from worry about illness. Creative classes offered social camaraderie and opportunities for learning and development. Art-making processes and products were highly affirmative, increasing emotional well-being and promoting self-worth. Most felt that they expressed valued aspects of self through their art. Art-making appeared to assist with identity maintenance, accommodating functional losses associated with MS whilst opening "new doors".
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Art-making offered a multi-faceted means of supporting identity and increasing fulfilment in lives that were restricted in many ways by MS.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences & Social Care, Brunel University , Uxbridge, Middlesex , UK.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: Panagiota
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nikopoulou-Smyrni
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001154:Art; D001155:Art Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: Art; creativity; flow; multiple sclerosis; occupation; self-esteem; well-being