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Maintenance and Development of Social Connection by People with Long-term Conditions: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Amanda Wilkinson

    (Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand)

  • Lucy Bowen

    (Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
    Undergraduate students at the time of the study.)

  • Elias Gustavsson

    (Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
    Undergraduate students at the time of the study.)

  • Simon Håkansson

    (Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
    Undergraduate students at the time of the study.)

  • Nicole Littleton

    (Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
    Undergraduate students at the time of the study.)

  • James McCormick

    (Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
    Undergraduate students at the time of the study.)

  • Michelle Thompson

    (Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
    Undergraduate students at the time of the study.)

  • Hilda Mulligan

    (Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand)

Abstract

Social connection is important for people’s health and well-being. Social isolation arising from a lack of meaningful connection with others can result in deterioration of well-being with negative consequences for health. For people living with multiple long-term conditions, the building and maintaining of social connection may be challenging. The aim of this study was to explore with people with long-term conditions how they perceive they maintain and develop social connections. We undertook semi-structured interviews with seventeen adults, and analyzed the data for themes. Themes were “Meaningful connection”, “Wherewithal for social connection” and “Impact of a major change in life course”. The findings suggest that social connection is valued, and facilitates meaningful ways to reciprocate support with others, thus enabling access to knowledge and resources for better health and well-being. However, people with long-term conditions can experience challenges to developing and maintaining social connectedness after a major change in life course. We suggest that healthcare providers are well placed to facilitate ways for people with long-term conditions to socially connect with others in their neighbourhood and community, and that this in particular be attended to after a major life change.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Wilkinson & Lucy Bowen & Elias Gustavsson & Simon Håkansson & Nicole Littleton & James McCormick & Michelle Thompson & Hilda Mulligan, 2019. "Maintenance and Development of Social Connection by People with Long-term Conditions: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:11:p:1875-:d:234854
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

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    2. Amanda Wilkinson & Allyson Calder & Beth Elliott & Ryan Rodger & Hilda Mulligan & Leigh Hale & Meredith Perry, 2023. "Disabled People or Their Support Persons’ Perceptions of a Community Based Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE): A Mixed-Method Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(19), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Meredith Perry & Lucy Cotes & Benjamin Horton & Rebecca Kunac & Isaac Snell & Blake Taylor & Abbey Wright & Hemakumar Devan, 2021. "“Enticing” but Not Necessarily a “Space Designed for Me”: Experiences of Urban Park Use by Older Adults with Disability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-19, January.
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    5. Yuetao Liu & Songhui You & Zhiyuan Wang, 2022. "The Moderating Role of Sociability and Social Connection for the Relationship between Soccer Participation and Teamwork Ability among Chinese College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-11, November.

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